And for some reason, people who are not involved at all love to judge whatever your decision is!

You should breastfeed! Fed is best! Don’t breastfeed in public - no one wants to see that! You’re selfish if you choose formula. Why are you pumping? Why don’t you just {insert something unhelpful}?

I always wanted to breastfeed, or at least try to. I remember being so overcome with emotion when Charlie latched in the recovery room because I thought it was so incredible that women could not only create life, but they could also sustain it.

Unfortunately, I struggled the next day, he had to go to the NICU to balance his of sugar, my milk took a long time to come in (8 days!) and it was never enough.

I always told myself I wouldn’t drive myself crazy trying to make it happen and yet… I totally did. You can read all of the details of that journey here.

After a lot of effort and a LOT of tears, I threw in the towel around 2/2.5 months postpartum. I quickly realized that it was the best decision for both of us… and now he is happy, healthy and absolutely looooooves food!

Round 2

Fast forward to the 2nd time around: I still wanted to try to breastfeed. Except this time, I wanted to give myself a little more grace because I knew that it didn’t work out, everything would be okay. We were living with the proof!

And yet I didn’t want to write off the possibility because maybe I had such a hard time because of the emergency c-section? My blood loss? His time away from me in the NICU? Don’t they say that your supply increases with each baby? Maybe it would be different this time!

So when I found out that the hospital I was going to offered lactation consultations BEFORE the baby arrives, I jumped at the chance to talk through different options.

I told her everything about feeding Charlie and how I’d love to figure out some sort of combo feed situation to avoid ending up in the NICU again. (Ironic knowing what happened, right?! 🙈 )

She told me all of the ways that the staff at this smaller hospital can support me and I was so encouraged. Things like putting him on my chest IN the operating room (!!), helping me latch as soon as possible, helping me track his diapers to make sure he’s getting enough/we don’t have another blood sugar dip like last time. Amazing!

And then she asked if I felt comfortable with her looking at my anatomy to make sure I had the right pump parts, and I did not expect her to tell me what she did.

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When it comes to pregnancy, birth and motherhood, any sort of complicated feelings involving disappointment are often discounted. (also see: what people get wrong about gender disappointment)

It’s usually some combination of “at least they’re healthy!” and “just be grateful that it wasn’t worse!”

But, as humans, we are allowed to have complicated feelings.

You’re allowed to be sad or disappointed about how your birth experience played out. It’s ok if you don’t think of that day as the best day ever like so many others. It’s ok if you’re still processing and working through your feelings.

And none of that means you aren’t also incredibly grateful that you and your baby are here. I have lots of feelings about my birth experiences AND I feel lucky every day that my boys are healthy and home.

I’ve always been afraid of giving birth, so I really tried to be flexible going into my first experience. My only real plan was to get us both through it safely.

Well, you can read Charlie’s birth story here - but I ended up needing an emergency c-section and it rocked my world.

I didn’t even realize that I cared about how I gave birth until I didn’t have an option anymore.

Then when he needed to go to the NICU the next night, I realized how much I had also been envisioning what our time in the postpartum room would look like. Instead of what I dreamt up, I was hobbling back and forth to see him hooked up to monitors.

So when I got pregnant again, I was naturally a little afraid of going through all of that again. I was told that a scheduled c-section was recommended, and as much as I didn’t want to experience that surgery and recovery again, I really tried to envision a different experience.

It would be planned. It would be calm. This hospital will put him on my chest as soon as possible after he comes out. I’d recover with him next to me in the hospital room and it would be hard, but also so different and special in its own way.

Welp… once again, we got a curveball.

You can read Graham’s birth story here, but I went into a fast and furious labor on my own and had the c-section the night before I was scheduled to. Besides the labor, it was a calmer experience at first, until our boy had trouble breathing when he came out. They had to whisk him away to the NICU without me seeing more than a quick glimpse of him and my heart sank. It was happening again.

They didn’t put him on my chest. I didn’t have my husband next to me as I got put back together. I didn’t get to really look at my baby for hours. I didn’t get to hold my baby at all until the next day. It was horrible.

Once we knew he was okay, I tried to focus on that - but part of me was also sad that I didn’t get to take photos of his perfect face because he was hooked up to wires right away. I had to pump nothing in a cold hospital room instead of attempting to breastfeed. We couldn’t have anyone come meet him in our room.

And of course I know that other people have had it so much worse. Every time we got good news, I felt guilty for caring about anything else because his health was ultimately all that really mattered.

But I also think that naming complicated feelings can be a whole lot more helpful than just pushing them down.

Am I a little jealous sometimes when I hear about someone having a wonderful, incredible, empowering birth experience and/or a super easy recovery? Yes! Does that mean I’m not also grateful? No way!

So if you’re still processing your birth experience(s), let this be a reminder that you are not alone.

And if you’re anything like me, watching your babies grow is the most healing. The hard parts of how they got here matter less and less as they grow into themselves more and more. And the love makes it all worth it.

But if it’s hard right now please remember that you are strong and you’re doing amazing. Sending love to you ❤️

Sometimes I come across other content creators who are churning out newborn content and I think I should be doing more, but then I remember that it hasn’t been very long since I had major abdominal surgery, a traumatic hospital stay for my newborn, and now 2 tiny humans to take care of so… I can give myself a little grace, right??

While it’s definitely a little hectic with 2, I feel very grateful that my recovery has been easier this time. I think a large part of that is because I decided to stop pumping and trying to get my milk to come in when we got home. Instead, we just leaned all the way into formula and it’s been the best decision. I’ve still cried about it, so let me know if you want to hear more about my feeding journey this time around - but ultimately, it’s been for the best.

I’m also very grateful that Graham has been a pretty chill baby so far! I’m sure part of that is because I’m more confident as a mom, but I also joke that he’s just happy to be here! And we’re happy to have him 💙

Baby Items That Rarely Go On Sale

I had zero plans to cover the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale this year because (1) I’m quite busy and (2) I’m just kind of over it.

But during a night feed, I stumbled onto their website and realized that the baby section has some REALLY good deals on items that very rarely ever go on sale. So, if you’re expecting, if you’re shopping for a gift for someone who is expecting, or if you’re a new parent who is still shopping for some items, check these out!

1. Nuna Pipa Aire Carseat: This is the lighter version of the newborn carseat that we have and absolutely LOVE. It comes with a base which makes snapping it in and out of your car a breeze, and it easily clips into strollers with an adapter. We went with Nuna for their high safety ratings, quality construction and ease of use.

2. Nuna Rava Carseat: This is the carseat we have for Charlie - I actually bought it during last year’s NSale! Their rotating carseat is also on sale too. I’ve heard great things!

3. BabyBorn Bouncer: If you’ve followed me for a while, you know that I’m a HUGE fan of this bouncer. It’s pricey but Charlie absolutely loved it and I’m hoping that Graham loves it too! Also, if you’re in the market for a carrier, you could spend $20 more to get this bundle with both the bouncer and the carrier.

4. Tripp Trapp Newborn Set: To be totally honest, this wasn’t on my radar because we have the bouncer - but it was gifted to us and WOW I LOVE IT. The newborn seat is elevated off the ground which has been really nice for me as I’ve been healing from my c-section, but it’s also a great way to ensure that both Charlie and our dog can’t get to him. Once he grows out of the newborn seat, it will turn into a high chair too!

5. Nanit Monitor: We absolutely loved this monitor for Charlie so we got another one for Graham with their new touchscreen. I love their insights and that we can see them both at the same time with a split screen view!

6. Skip Hop Activity Center: We have a more basic version by the same brand, but I love that this one is similar to start and then grows with your little one too!

7. Nuna MIXX and Nuna TRVL Strollers: I remember when we went stroller shopping for Charlie and we decided on the stroller in between these two options - but that doesn’t mean one of these aren’t perfect for YOU! The MIXX is basically a bigger version of ours. It has all-terrain suspension, a bigger basket, and some other upgrades. And the TRVL is super lightweight and SO easy to fold. I’ve almost bought it so many times but we just don’t travel that much!

8. Uppababy Vista V3 Stroller: If you’ve been wanting to go Uppababy instead of Nuna, this EXTREMELY popular stroller is on sale. And if you’re looking for a stroller and carseat system, the Cruz is marked down too!

9. Doona Car Seat/Stroller: We borrowed this from friends when we flew with Charlie at 2.5 months old and it really made us understand the hype. It converts seamlessly from carseat to stroller and back to carseat. It’s very cool!! And VERY handy if you travel a lot, or you’re just on the go a lot!

10. Slumberpod: Speaking of travel, I asked about blackout shades for a weekend in Wisconsin last year and my DMs were absolutely flooded with rave reviews for product. It was crazy! I still haven’t purchased it because, again, we just don’t travel that much right now - but just know that my community loves it!

I gathered a few more baby items on sale here and some picks from the women’s section too.

Okay that’s it from me, byeeeee!

Our sweet baby Graham arrived about 12 hours before his scheduled c-section… I think he has FOMO like his Dad and just couldn’t wait to join the party 🤣

So while everyone told me that this birth would be so different than last time, and it was in a lot of ways, it wasn’t exactly the calm and joyful experience that I was hoping it would be.

One thing that really helped me process everything last time was writing it all down, which I eventually shared in Charlie’s Birth Story. So I decided to do that again this time… and going through all my notes made me realize that I wanted to share it again too.

It’s so easy to build up birth and postpartum experiences in our minds, but both of mine have reminded me that so much is out of our control. For every ideal birth scenario that you hear about or see on social media, there are also stories with struggles. No matter what, you’re not alone!

And now that we’re on the other side, I mostly just feel an overwhelming gratitude for our access to high quality healthcare, modern medicine, and the fact that I have 2 healthy boys at home. I don’t take any of that for granted.

Now let’s get into it…

Fast & Furious Labor

I woke up on a Wednesday knowing that it was my last day of being pregnant - but that’s only because my c-section was scheduled for 7:30am the next day. Charlie and I snapped a few final photos/videos of the bump (above!) and we did some last minute packing to make sure he had everything he needed at my parents and I had most of my hospital bag ready to go.

I had been getting Braxton Hicks contractions here and there, but they really ramped up that afternoon. It was mostly just my belly feeling really hard to the touch, but some had mild cramps with them too.

We were planning on bringing Charlie over to my parents with all of his stuff and staying for dinner anyway, so after mentioning the BH contractions to Adam, we decided to go over early - around 4:30pm. We figured we’d eat early, come home and relax, and then we’d go to the hospital in the morning.

Shortly after we got to my parents, I felt my first real contraction. I remembered the feeling from my induction with Charlie and it made me nervous. After a few more, I called my doctor’s office to see what they thought/if eating dinner was a bad idea. They told me I could probably eat light but I should also start timing the contractions. If they became intense and consistent, call back.

Welp, within only 20 minutes or so, the contractions became both stronger and closer together - 5 minutes apart closer. I called them back and they told me to head towards the hospital.

Within the next 20 minutes after that, contractions were even more intense and consistently between only 3-5 minutes apart. We got to the hospital and I said no to a wheelchair because I think I was still in denial about what was happening? At this point, I think it was still only 5:45pm. Everything happened SO fast!

Anyway, I had to stop and lean against the wall on our way to the room during one of my contractions and that was when I realized we were 1000% having a baby that night.

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But I’ve also been doing a TON of prep for the baby around the house, including stocking our freezer with some meals. As you may remember, I prepped some meals last pregnancy but it was winter then, and I knew I wouldn’t want things like beef stew and chili in the middle of summer.

So I’ve made 2 breakfast recipes, I froze leftover pork ragu so we just have to defrost the cubes when we want to eat it, and I prepped 4 huge trays of dinners - and all of the recipes are below!!

To optimize my time as much as possible, I made the first 2 recipes in the same morning which allowed me to cook 2 pounds of sausage and 1 pound of ground beef all together. Once that was cooked, I used 1/3 of the mixture in the lasagna and the rest was split between the 2 ziti trays. If you don’t want to make them both, you don’t have to - but this made it all very easy and fast.

I also bought aluminum pans from the grocery store so I could easily stack them and also not worry about running out of baking dishes OR cleaning them afterwards. Mine were around 9x13.

Ravioli Lasagna

1 lb of meat (can be Italian sausage, ground beef, ground turkey, etc)
about 55oz of pre-made tomato sauce (I used a Costco size jar and regular size jar)
2 (20 oz) bags of ravioli
2 zucchini, thinly sliced (I like to use a mandolin)
2 cups mozzarella cheese
parmesan cheese (optional)

1. Cook the meat. If you are making ziti at the same time, you can cook 3 pounds of whatever mix of meats you want. If not, just cook 1 pound of your favorite.

2. Add a thin layer of tomato sauce to the bottom of an aluminum pan.

3. Layer ravioli, meat, thin slices of zucchini, and cheese. I sprinkled both shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan, but you could skip the parm if you want.

4. Repeat with more sauce, ravioli, meat, zucchini, and cheese until you run out of ravioli and meat (or you’ve used 1/3 of the meat if you prepped for ziti). Sauce should be your last layer, followed by cheese.

5. Write “Ravioli Lasagna” and the date on a piece of foil and cover the top. Wrap in saran wrap and put in the freezer.

6. To bake from frozen, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove saran wrap and foil and replace with a fresh piece of foil. Bake for 1 hour, uncover and continue cooking for another 15+ minutes until the cheese is melty and the middle is warm.

Baked Ziti (2 Trays)

2 lb pasta
2 lb of meat (can be Italian sausage, ground beef, ground turkey, etc)
about 32-55 oz of pre-made tomato sauce (depending on how saucy you want it)
1-2 zucchini, finely chopped (optional)
1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
parmesan cheese (optional)

1. Cook pasta to al dente.

2. Cook the meat. If you are making lasagna at the same time, you can cook 3 pounds of whatever mix of meats you want. If not, just cook 2 pound of your favorites.

3. Drain pasta and add at least 32 oz of sauce.

4. If you are adding zucchini, chop into small pieces and add to the pasta. Stir thoroughly.

5. Split the mixture between 2 aluminum trays.

6. Add half of the meat to each tray, along with a handful of mozzarella (measure with your heart). Stir to combine.

7. Top with more mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan, if you want.

8. Write “Baked Ziti” and the date on a piece of foil and cover the top. Wrap in saran wrap and put in the freezer.

9. To bake from frozen, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove saran wrap and foil and replace with a fresh piece of foil. Bake for 45 minutes, uncover and continue cooking for another 15+ minutes until the cheese is melty and the middle is warm.

Chicken Enchiladas

Bonus recipe for paid subscribers!

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Truthfully, I feel very a little all over the place at the moment. I want to soak up as much time as a family of 3 as I can before the baby comes, but there’s also a ton of other things that I want to do for work or to prepare… but time is limited! And it’s running out!

Needless to say, somethings gotta give sometimes otherwise I get upset when I hit an issue and I’m not able to optimize my time like I want to. For example, a version of this carousel was ready to be posted and I was so proud of myself for getting it done so I could move onto other things, and then IG kept deleting it instead of posting it (“sorry there was an issue”) until I finally used their new multiple captions feature after redoing it THREE TIMES. Ughhhh!

Anyway, I’m hoping to give myself some more grace tomorrow, but for tonight, Prime Day has some REALLY great baby/toddler deals that I don’t want any parents to miss before the sales end on Thursday! I know firsthand how expensive that can all get so every discount can make a difference. And if you’re not in a parenting era right now, scroll down for a few everyday favorites too!

Baby Prime Day Picks

This bouncer is one of my top recommendations for all new parents and I’ve never seen the price so low!

We love this monitor so much that we got another one for baby 2 and I’m very excited for the new touchscreen and split screen option!

Is a bottle washer necessary? No. Are we thrilled to have it? YES. (Same with a formula maker!)

These are our favorite bottles.

The only burp cloths that actually absorb.

You’re going to want a few magnetic onesies for the first few months. It makes the constant diaper changes SO much easier!

This cream works wonders on anything and everything.

Can’t wait to snuggle another little newborn in this wrap!

The new Hatch Baby is soooo much better than the last one. Just tap it on for sound and press a button for light! (The app still works with it too!)

Toddler Prime Day Picks

We play with these blocks every. single. day.

I’ve saved us a lot of money by filling these reusable pouches with yogurt and applesauce instead of solely buying pouches at the store!

This stain spray is crazy impressive. Everyone needs it.

I thought this table and chairs set might be too pricey but then I saw them at our friend’s house and I was sold. The curved seats and grippy bottoms are such nice details - just make sure you get it on sale!

Is it time for us to buy Magna-Tiles now that this deal is happening?!

These are how we taught Charlie to drink through a straw. You squeeze the bear a little bit to help them out - it’s so smart.

We own a few sleep sack brands but this affordable set is just as good.

This PJ brand is so high quality. Every pair has fit him way longer than we thought they would and they’re still in great condition and ready for baby 2 one day!

We just got Charlie this water table and it’s great for hot days.

Pregnancy/Postpartum Prime Day Picks

The best maternity leggings ever.

I didn’t like the belly binder the hospital gave me, so I got this one and it’s so much better!

This was my favorite nursing/pumping bra last time because it was comfortable enough to wear all the time - even overnight!

I’ll be using these patches on my c-section scar again this time.

If you plan on delivering vaginally, this postpartum kit has so many great recovery items for you!!

They don’t look like much but these help soothe sore nipples SO well!

Every Favorite Prime Day Picks

These are the best affordable leggings that compare at all to my other favorite brands.

I’ve had these affordable sunglasses for years and I always get compliments.

If you ever want to freeze soups, sauces or just smaller portions of leftovers, these cubes make it SO easy.

This little steamer is cheap but effective.

I love that this sunscreen doesn’t feel greasy at all.

The best deodorant ever.

I got this coffee maker for Adam for Christmas and not only does it make great coffee, but it’s prettyyyyy.

Okay that’s it for now but if you want more, check out my Amazon storefront!

It’s been over a week since my birthday, but because we went to New Buffalo a few days later, I feel like it didn’t really hit me until this week.

I am 39 years old. 39! When did that happen?!

I feel like my 30s have absolutely flown by. Getting serious with Adam, getting engaged, getting a dog, COVID, getting married, buying and selling a condo, going to Italy for the first time for our honeymoon, having a baby, buying a house, getting pregnant again… so much has happened that has made time feel FAST.

But on top of that, I just don’t feel almost 40. When you’re young, that sounds so old - right?

I’m a mom in the burbs with another on the way but I can’t POSSIBLY be that old yet! I’m still just a girl in my 30s! I still love cheesy romance shows! And fun girly clothes! And I’m still figuring everything out!

But what I’ve realized is that as you get older yourself, you starting understanding that every single person on this planet is just a human experiencing whatever phase of their life they’re in for the first time.

Our parents seemed like such adults when we were younger, but they were just people doing their best too, you know?

So here’s to letting go of preconceived notions of whatever age we’re turning next. I’m excited about allowing myself to be whatever version of a 39 year old I am, instead of what I think that “should” be.

And that’s going to be the name of the game this year. Especially with 2 under 2! Lots and lots of grace.

What I’ve Purchased Recently: My belly is getting so big that I’m running out of things that fit, so I bought a few dresses from Old Navy that were on mega-sale over MDW and they’re so good! Not maternity, bump friendly and so affordable. Total wins.

Of course I also had to get a few things for the boys. How cute is this $5 tee for Charlie and this one piece for baby? I also HIGHLY recommend getting this 4 pack of shorts. They are going to make getting Charlie dressed so easy this summer.

Oh, and I bought myself these maternity shorts that are CRAZY soft and still on sale! Go go go!

What I Can’t Get Enough Of: Charlie’s new room! It’s not quite done yet but I love it so much already. Adam added chair rail and painted, and we’ve been adding in some stuff we already had along with new purchases.

We’re especially excited about the bear art and this toy organizer - he already loves throwing his stuffed animals in and then trying to take them back out. So cute! And while we’re using an old rug in there, I think we’re going to set up this play mat for some extra cushion. Isn’t it so beautiful?!

Also, this isn’t in his room but I recently splurged on this table and chairs after seeing it at our friends house. The curved seats and anti-slip legs are really awesome and he already loves playing and eating snacks on it.

What We’re Watching: Ok we started the new Love Island USA this week and this is what made us feel old 🤣 Why was there so much making out? And why does everyone feel so betrayed after less than 24 hours? Can we not watch this show anymore?!

On the other hand, I don’t think we ever talked about Off Campus which also centers people much younger than us… except we LOVED IT. I can’t remember if I’ve talked about it here yet or not, but what a delight! I already can’t wait for season 2!

What’s In My Cart: We’ve been so focused on what we need for the boys that I’m trying to limit spending on myself… but I found this dupe of this set that I’ve been wanting and I think I’m going to order it. I usually don’t give in to Amazon knockoffs but since the real thing isn’t an option, I figure it’s worth a try! The style is so perfect for pregnancy and postpartum.

A few more things:

They are practically giving away this dress - and it’s a GOOOOD one! We’re talking originally $128 and now under $40!! I love that it’s non-maternity but so stretchy that it’s perfect for a bump. I sized up to a medium but I honestly don’t even know if I needed to because I’m 35 weeks and it still doesn’t feel tight. 10/10 recommend.

Merit launched new shades of my favorite lip liner and Rose is soooo beautiful. I’ve been wearing it almost every day!

Charlie got pasta sauce all over this cute shirt in New Buffalo on Saturday night, we sprayed it with this magical stain spray on Sunday and it looks good as new. SORCERY!

I still don’t know what rug to get the nursery! We painted the bottom half of the walls dark green but I’m unsure about the rest of the decor. Do we like this or this?

I got the newest Hatch Baby for Charlie’s new toddler room and wowwww it is SO much better than the Rest! You can easily press the button on the top to turn the sound on and off, or twist it to turn it up or down. There’s also a nightlight button on the side and a dimmer on the other side… and you can, of course, still do all of this in the app, too. I’m obsessed.

I gasped when I saw this dress. So feminine and whimsical! (And yes, it says it comes with a slip!)

Ok thats it for now! Hope you all had the best weekend!

*shop the carousel here!

We had both been more familiar with Wisconsin when it comes to midwest getaways, but we went to Saugatuck back in 2022 and then New Buffalo for our “babymoon” in 2024 and there’s just something about Pure Michigan.

New Buffalo is small and kind of sleepy, but it’s so adorable and friendly - and I just loooove being near our big huge Lake Michigan. Lake Geneva and other smaller ones are nice, but Lake Michigan feels like the ocean to me. It’s the best.

Anyway, we didn’t have plans to go back to Michigan until Adam and I somehow started talking about a specific ice cream that we had on our babymoon and it sparked the most intense craving.

He joked about going to a store or a local ice cream place to find something similar, but I knew nothing would compare… and then a few days later, he told me he booked us a weekend away so we could go get the real thing.

TEARS 😭 I LOVE THIS MAN.

It was technically my birthday present (I turned 39 last week!) but on the drive out, we realized that this was the first and last trip just the three of us before baby boy number 2 arrives which made it all feel even more special.

So without further ado, let’s dive into my recommendations!

Where To Stay In New Buffalo

We’ve only ever stayed at the Harbor Grand Hotel and both experiences were excellent. Not only is it a nice boutique hotel (clean, pretty, etc) but it’s literally in the perfect location. If you turn one way, you’re a short walk to the beach. If you turn the other way, you’ll go down the street with all of the best restaurants and shops.

We got a regular room last time, but because we had Charlie, we upgraded to a suite this time. Charlie’s pack & play (it’s so worth it - use code LAUREN for $40 off!) fit perfectly in the living area, and then Adam and I could still hang out in the bedroom whenever he was sleeping.

Another big perk is their complimentary breakfast. It’s not a mediocre continental situation that usually comes to mind when you hear “free hotel breakfast”. Instead, you get a card with a menu that you fill out and leave on your door. You can choose from things like coffee, frittatas, yogurt, pastries, etc. along with the time you want it delivered. The next morning, it arrives in a picnic basket outside your door. SO CUTE.

I got a tropical chia pudding both mornings that was so good, I’m determined to recreate it at home. We were also able to get sides of fruit that Charlie devoured with the yogurt pouches we brought from home. Such a nice easy way to start each day!

They also have an indoor pool, a little sundeck and a spa. We didn’t go to any of those this time, but I did get a prenatal massage last time that was wonderful.

What To Do In New Buffalo

As I mentioned, New Buffalo is kind of a sleepy little place. I’m sure it gets much busier and livelier in the depths of summer but I feel like it would still have that relaxed small town vibe even then. And that’s what I really like about it!

You go there to exhale, you know?

I love being by the lake so much that it’s no surprise that I’m going to say the beach is the main reason to go. The New Buffalo Beach is a short walk from our hotel, and it’s massive. There’s a playground right near the parking lot, some boardwalk trails if you want to get some exercise, and tons of beach space to set up a towel and chairs and hang out all day.

And while Whittaker St isn’t huge, it’s full of charming boutiques, coffee shops, great restaurants, and multiple ice cream shops.

There’s also a Metra stop right there which is super convenient if you’re coming from the city!

What To Eat In New Buffalo

Along with the beach, the food is the next best reason to go. It may be a small town but they have some stellar places to eat!

PostBoy

PostBoy is a new restaurant (opened last year) and we were SO impressed. We got a table on their patio our first night after sitting in traffic and immediately felt like we were on vacation. The decor is on point, the food was creative and delicious, and there was even live music! We liked it so much that we went back for lunch the next day.

Everything was good, but I especially recommend the chicken wings, the shishito peppers, the burger, and the side of fries. YUM.

Terrace Room

Another perk of our hotel? They have an excellent Italian restaurant downstairs! I remember loving it more last time because they had an insane vodka sauce dish that wasn’t on the menu anymore, but everything was still really solid. If there is a meatballs appetizer when you go, PLEASE order it! It has arugula and aged parmesan on top… I could have eaten a plate of it as my meal if I didn’t have to share with Adam and Charlie!

Nancy’s Ice Cream

This is where to get the infamous Yellow Cake Batter ice cream!!! Last time we visited, we went to Oink’s the first night and then Nancy’s the next day after the beach. I wasn’t even sure I wanted ice cream that afternoon, but we were passing it and Adam was ordering, so I got their Yellow Cake Batter ice cream… and had a religious experience 🤣

I literally can’t speak to any other flavor they offer because it was love at first bite! It has swirls of chocolate and chunks of cake that have almost a cookie dough texture. Get it on a cone with some sprinkles on top? That’s my perfect ice cream. What dreams are made of.

Farmette

We had plans to go back to Whistle Stop Grocery because we loved it last time, but I kept hearing about Farmette and I’m so glad we went there! They have a beautiful store with things like cookbooks, specialty groceries, and freshly baked bread. It’s also a coffee shop where I got their seasonal strawberry iced coffee that had a strawberry cold foam on top. Walk around their garden or sit outside on their patio and enjoy whatever you ordered!

Shady Creek Winery

Someone recommended this winery while we were there, so we went when we had some time to kill! Obviously wineries aren’t the most exciting for me at the current moment, but the outdoor area was beautiful. Lots of seating, lawn games, and plenty of grass for kids to run around!

And from last time:

The Stray Dog

This is probably the most popular restaurant in New Buffalo, but we didn’t go this time because we thought PostBoy was better 🙊 Here’s the thing - The Stray Dog has a GREAT rooftop patio that overlooks the lake with a bar and more of a party vibe since you have to be over 21 to go up there.

Because we had Charlie with us, we would have had to sit inside the restaurant and that felt unnecessary. This is where you go to have a cocktail and cheese curds in the sunshine - or to have more than a few cocktails at the end of the day, you know?

Issa Vibe Cafe

We didn’t make it here this time, but it’s a very insta-worthy place. Bright colors, plants, pretty matcha lattes, and delicious breakfast sandwiches. If we didn’t have the free breakfasts at the hotel and/or want to check out Farmette, we would have gone back!

Have you been to New Buffalo? What else would you add to this list?

While the point of this holiday itself is obviously to remember and honor the men and women who have died in our armed forces, this weekend as a whole always feels like an unofficial kickoff to summer.

And for my job specifically, it’s one of the biggest sale weekends of the year.

So to help you sift through all of the notifications, I’ve compiled the best sales I’ve found so far so you can get what you need (or just treat yourself!) at a discount and then get back to whatever else is on your agenda this weekend.

So let’s dive in! In alphabetical order of course ;)

Abercrombie - 20 to 40% off almost everything + extra 15% off with code AFSUMMER

I feel like everyone is raving about these Rag & Bone sweatpant jean dupes that keep selling out, so if you see your size, snag them! I’m personally eying this convertible dress (you can wear it as a skirt too!) and this bra free skort dress which I’d have to save for postpartum but… how cute?!

Aerie - 30 to 50% off

My cost per wear on this pink pullover is probably under a cent now… it’s seriously the best. Perfectly cozy and oversized, happens to be pregnancy and breastfeeding friendly, and comes in tons of colors.

Alice & Wonder (and Mini Wonder) - 15% off

My favorite Chicago boutique just launched new summer stuff and I’m loving this sweatshirt and this sweatshirt. And does Charlie need these overalls? I’m thinking yes????

Also, they just released a smaller version of my Chicago tote! I use it for grocery shopping but it would also make a great beach or travel bag. They launched them in more cities too! A PERFECT gift.

AllModern - up to 60% off

The olive tree in our bedroom and sideboard in our front entryway are both included in this sale and both of them were 10/10 purchases for us!!

Beyond Yoga - up to 75% off

I haven’t purchased anything from Beyond Yoga in so long but I feel like these super soft maternity bike shorts would be so nice to have for this final stretch and postpartum.

Boden - 25% off everything

I just recently got this dress and it is SO GOOD. The fabric is really soft and stretchy, and the cut is really flattering and versatile. Dress it up, dress it down - and it’s bump friendly!!

Burt’s Bees Baby - up to 50% off + free shipping

A great place to get high quality cotton pajamas and clothes at a really good price.

Gap - 50% off select items

Not gonna lie, I was hoping for more of a sitewide sale but our favorite short sleeve bodysuits for Charlie are 50% off and I snagged this and this for baby boy 2. Soooo cute!

Gap Factory - 50 to 70% off sitewide

I bought these drawstring jeans when I was postpartum with Charlie and they still fit me 8 months pregnant! I have a slightly different style that’s too small on me now, but the wide band on these somehow work under my big belly. Get a few colors!

Hill House - extra 20% off sale

If you’ve been wanting a nap dress, this is a great time to get their classic Ellie but you can read about allll the styles I’ve tried in this sizing post on the blog. I’m personally thinking of adding this style with sleeves to my collection. I think it would be especially nice for the last of my pregnancy/postpartum summer.

House of Noa - up to 40% off select items

We’ve had this wipeable standing mat in our kitchen for years now and because we love it so much, we got this tumbling mat for Charlie. Now that we’ve had that for a while, we also decided to get this play mat for our basement… can you tell we’re fans?!

Kizik - 25% off select styles + 10% off with code LAUREN10

If you haven’t gotten yourself a pair of Kiziks yet, ESPECIALLY if you’re pregnant or recovering from birth… do yourself a favor and snag a pair. They have something in the heel that springs right back up so you can literally just step in and out of them. No bending, no tying, nothing. I have this pair that’s on sale and they’re a great supportive style. HIGHLY recommend!

J.Crew - 40% off

I’ve gotten so much wear out of this dress and this dress - and I loooove that they’re not maternity so I can also wear them postpartum too!

Old Navy - Long Weekend Deals

Their dress sale is so insane, I got this one for $6 and this one for $12. WHAT?! I also got this cute tee and this pack of shorts for Charlie!

Rothy’s - 25% off

Both my favorite clog slides and my favorite slide sandals are on sale! Highly recommend them both.

Hope you all have a great weekend!!

This past week started off so strong - I was feeling good, Charlie was rocking the transition to 1 nap, we got some sunshine… and then I woke up on Thursday feeling really run down. I majorly struggled to get dressed because it was one of those days when it was chilly in the morning and warm in the afternoon, my favorite things were dirty, and I outgrew my go-to pair of drawstring jeans 😭

That snowballed into feeling really big, feeling like I don’t know how to dress or shop for myself anymore, and then feeling like a failure at my job because this post and this post didn’t do well even though I was really excited about them. It was one of those days when Adam had to say “Can you stop being so mean to my wife?”

Turns out, I really needed a little self care. Yesterday was SO much better even after Charlie woke up super early because I had some me time. An early chiropractor appointment that not only made me feel better in my body, but also reminded me how lucky I am to have a healthy bump, you know?

Anyway, I’m sharing because it’s so easy to get into a cycle of saying mean things to/about yourself - whether you’re pregnant or not! It’s something I’ve been working on for most of my life. So if you start putting yourself down a lot, take a beat.

Recognize what you’re doing and think about how you’d talk to a friend instead. What would you say to them? How would you encourage them? Now say those nice things to yourself ❤️

What I Can’t Get Enough Of: My new robe! I’ve had a short Lake robe for years now but it’s SO short with my bump right now and I knew that I’d want more coverage when I’m postpartum too. So my mom got me their longer one for Mother’s Day and it’s perfect. Their pima cotton is so soft but also really breathable for warmer weather, and their stuff washes so beautifully. I love love love it.

What I’ve Purchased Recently: The big Little Sleepies sale is happening now, and I stocked up! They rarely have sales and these markdowns are up to 65% off which is huge. Especially because, out of all of the pajama brands we’ve tried, these are by far the best. The fabric is so soft, they last for wayyy longer than the tag says, and they hold up so well that ALL of Charlie’s old LS pjs are being passed down to baby 2.

What We’re Watching: Ok who else is watching Summer House and WHAT DO WE THINK?! I have been very committed to my stance that I don’t think Amanda and West were involved last summer. My theory has been that Amanda started to develop feelings for him because he’s been so protective and supportive and flirty with her, but nothing actually happened until this winter. I just can’t wrap my head around a full blown affair all summer… but then the way they hugged in that last episode??! I mean?!!? I’m starting to doubt myself!

What’s In My Cart: After ordering a few big t-shirt/shorts sets from Amazon that didn’t work on me (I think it’s better for taller gals!), I think I might splurge on something from Beyond Yoga. Their fabrics never disappoint and I even found some good styles on sale. I just have to figure out if I want to get regular or maternity shorts though… it feels silly with such little time left, but it’s also kind of nice to have the extra room when you’re freshly postpartum too…

What I’m Cooking: Charlie’s been more into berries than bananas recently so I’ve been making these pancakes every time our bananas start to brown. I love that they only require one bowl and a few ingredients, they don’t take long to make, and Charlie LOVES them.

What I’m Reading: Please forgive me that I’m currently the world’s slowest reader, but yes, I’m still reading Yesteryear and yes, I’m still enjoying it. I just get sleepy too fast once I’m in bed! 🤣

A few more things:

Our Nanit for baby 2 arrived and I am SO EXCITED for the touchscreen!! And we can make it a split screen so we can see both boys at the same time. Eeee!!

My beloved Chicago tote now comes in a smaller size - and they launched more cities too! Seriously one of the best gifts ever. So adorable and incredibly useful.

We’ve had our outdoor furniture for 5 years now and their MDW sale started early! Their furniture is definitely an investment, but it’s so well made and we LOVE the built in cushion covers so we can protect it so quickly instead of lugging cushions around. So nice.

Gap is doing some really great things for boy moms this season. I have so many adorable pieces in my cart that I’m having trouble narrowing it down. HELP.

If I wasn’t pregnant, I would have already purchased this skort. HOW CUTE? And it’s on sale!

(overalls on major sale!)

I was actually just talking with a friend about how anti-climactic Mother’s Day actually is. At least at this particular stage, and living near both sets of parents, it kind of just feels like any other holiday. Morning with one family, come home for nap, evening with the other family, come home and pass out 🤣

And honestly, I’m not complaining. But it has made me think about what I would want to do when the boys are older and we can create some Mother’s Day memories together. Like, can we ditch everyone else and go downtown to get bagels or pastries and hang by the lake? Or go to Spacca Napoli for an early dinner? Doesn’t that sound fun???

Anyway, that brings me to my next question - how many of you are moms? I’m asking because I recently discovered that we’ve made it into the Top 100 Parenting Substacks which is SO EXCITING! Between this stat, and the fact that we don’t live in the city anymore, I feel like the name In The Loop doesn’t really match anymore… but I also really don’t want to change it to something that will isolate those of you who are here for the sales, entertainment recs, and general girly banter. Can you answer this quick poll to help me out?

Also, if you have any new name ideas, PLEASE let me know in the comments. I feel so stuck!

What I Can’t Get Enough Of: I love these overalls so much that I ordered them in a denim wash too - and now they’re 40% OFF!!!

You can see the pink on me here and a little sneak of the denim in the reel below, along with some new Amazon purchases and a chat about daycare since we’ve started the search for the fall. There is already a ton of great feedback in the comments if you want to check those out! (I feel like this could make a good post here too!)

What I’ve Purchased Recently: There is another Anthropologie sale happening this weekend - just use code LAKESHORE20 for 20% off your orders of $100+! I got to use the code early and purchased this adorable door mat that’s perfect for spring, along with this shirt and matching shorts. The set is pregnancy friendly and super comfortable, but I have a feeling I’ll be wearing it the most in the postpartum days when my belly isn’t soooo big ;)

What’s In My Cart: Just as I was plotting out what to purchase from the Hill House summer collection, I got a message from them asking if they could send me something… AND THEY GAVE ME A CODE FOR YOU! I’ve been buying their dresses since the very beginning and I’ve never ever ever gotten a code, so this is very exciting :) From now through May 24th, you can click here and use code LAUREN20 for 20% off full price items! Eeeeeeeee!

I’ll update you when this dress and this dress arrive (omg so excited), but in the meantime, you can see my other favorite styles on me here and read more about sizing here.

What We’re Watching: Have we talked about Rooster yet? It’s Steve Carell’s latest show on HBO (or is it still Max? I can’t keep up) and it’s so entertaining. It’s by the same produces as Shrinking and Ted Lasso - it even stars Jamie Tart! If you like funny and wholesome-type shows, I think you’ll really like it.

What I’m Reading: I finally started Yesteryear and it is FASCINATING. I’m hoping to get some reading time this weekend, so I’ll update you with more thoughts next weekend!

A few more things:

Nanit is having a Mother’s Day Sale and I believe it ends this weekend, so if you’re in the market for a new monitor, get it for 20% off!! I snagged this one for baby 2 and I’m SO excited for the touchscreen monitor. That will make it so much easier when our parents or babysitters are watching the boys.

Side note: that plus alllll of my other registry favorites are in my complete Baby Registry Breakdown which is available now!

I keep seeing these darling sets from this brand called Darling and I kind of want to treat myself!!! I usually stay away from shapeless things but this one looks like a dress, just with shorts underneath - which is kind of a toddler mom’s dream right?? Have any of you ordered from them before? Give me the deets!

Mini Wonder just launched new arrivals for kids and I want it all. The cutest Chicago shop ever.

Another weekend, another Aerie sale! My favorite pullover was a bestseller the past few weeks and now is a great time to join the club!

Have a great weekend!

It’s finally here! My complete BABY REGISTRY BREAKDOWN!

I’ve been wanting to create something like this for at least a year now - pretty much ever since I got through the “fourth trimester” and really formed opinions about all of the baby products we got.

On top of that, I get asked about registry essentials ALL the time and I never know how to answer the questions succinctly because… there’s a lot to it.

I genuinely want to help every mom that I can because there’s SO much to consider as a first time parent and I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be.

And I wish I could gab for hours with each and every one of you! You could ask: What is actually essential? What’s really “nice to have” that I should definitely get it? What’s just “nice to have” enough that I could skip it if we need to? What’s worth the splurge vs. a great place to save?

Not to mention the fact that what felt essential to me might not feel essential to you and vice versa. There are also some items that I feel very passionately about (you must get THIS PARTICULAR THING) vs others that don’t really matter what brand you get as long as you get something similar.

And that’s why it’s taken me so long to pull this together for you! Because a bunch of links don’t tell the full story, and paragraphs upon paragraphs in a blog post would make anyone’s brain turn to mush. (Believe me, I tried doing it that way last summer and MY brain quickly turned to mush 🤣)

So, I broke everything down into categories across 14 pages from pregnancy to clothing and everything in between. Each page has the linked item, the reason why we chose it/liked it/any criticisms, and even some other options that might be worth considering depending on your budget and preferences.

Here’s an example of what to expect:

You can always access all of the links broken down by collection on ShopMy but if you want to download the full breakdown…

Read more

So to ensure that you’ve got plenty of time for things to ship in time, let’s talk through my Mother’s Day gift ideas!

Gifting isn’t my personal love language (I’m more of a words of affirmation and acts of service person), so I often have trouble pinpointing what I want beyond a really nice card and lots of photos and videos of me with the sweet boy who made me a mom.

BUT I also know it’s nice to both give and receive gifts, so I’ve compiled some of my favorite things that I own that would make great gifts, along with some more experience-based ideas I’ve gotten from other moms throughout the years.

Also, I know it’s mostly women who read this newsletter, so feel free to just forward this to your partners to make it easy 😉 Let’s dive in!

Pajamas

I know I suggest Lake Pajamas every year, but they’re just such a good Mother’s Day gift for women of literally any age. I got their short robe (pictured above) years ago but I really want their classic pima robe this year so I have some extra length for late pregnancy and postpartum days.

Speaking of pima, I HIGHLY recommend their pima pajamas too. This set has a short sleeve top, shorts and pants all in one. I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t want that!! I also love their maternity pajamas too!

Also I haven’t tried them yet but how cute is this new Solly set? If you’re shopping for a new mom, you could also get her baby and her toddler(s) matching pairs. My heart!!

Personalized Jewelry

I’ve worn this C necklace every day since Adam got it for me when Charlie was born - and I’m hoping to figure out a way to add baby 2’s initial to it when he arrives this summer. I love that Monica Vinader jewelry is really classic, wearable and high quality. It’s not cheap but it’s also not insanely expensive - and you can use code LAURENNMV for 20% off, which is pretty significant on their pieces!

Hot tip for any partners who got this email: you can add complimentary engraving to this locket necklace and it can be in the form of your or your children’s handwriting/drawing 🥹 Just upload the image file before you check out. Oh and make sure you put a photo inside BEFORE you give it to her. You’re welcome.

Canvas Tote Bag

I got this Chicago Icons Tote around Christmas and it is not only cute but SO USEFUL. I always bring it grocery shopping and I always get compliments - and now there’s this Snacks! version which couldn’t be more perfect for a Mom.

Not only that, but you’d be supporting a local small business AND every purchase from their Mother’s Day collection benefits Every Mother Counts. So cool! Throw some lip balms, a gift card to a spa, and/or some snacks for her in there and you’ve got a great gift. (By snacks for her, I mean either her favorites that she doesn’t want to share or something fun like High Confectionary x Broma Bakery chocolates if she’s into THC 😉)

Mom Of The Year Hat & Sweatshirt

It’s stroller walk season again, which means that I’m putting my Mom Of The Year hat on pretty much every morning! It’s such a fun cheeky gift that she probably wouldn’t buy for herself, and I love that it comes in tons of colors and some are available on Amazon! I also own and love their Mom Of The Year sweatshirt too. So cozy.

Slip On Sneakers

I know I talk about how these slip on sneakers are amazing for pregnancy and postpartum, but they’re also just an amazing mom sneaker in general because when she’s busy trying to get everyone else out the door, she can just STEP into her own shoes and that’s it! I now own this pair and this pair (both great for walks/workouts) and this one which is a little bit easier to style with everyday looks. Use code LAUREN10 for 10% off!

Nap Dresses

I know buying clothes as a gift is hard if you aren’t sure of her size, but nap dresses are the easiest sizing to guess because the bodices are fully smocked which means you don’t need to worry if it will zip or button! The whole top stretches and the skirts are usually flowy enough for a bump too. Almost foolproof.

The Ellie is their original but if you don’t like flutter sleeves, I love this style (pictured above), this one with slimmer sleeves, and this high neck (and bra friendly!) style. I have a few Hill House dresses and they’re all great quality (better than the dupes), wearable many different ways, and hold up for years.

Lululemon anything

If you know her Lulu size, anything from there can be a GREAT gift. A new pair of align leggings? The updated active dress? Anything in their new “smoothie” colors for spring?

Bougie Body Wash

This body wash was a major bestseller over the holidays because it’s feels excessive when buying for yourself, but still affordable for gifting! I first fell in love with their deodorant (incredible) but the body wash is way better as a gift. Their signature Santal & Vitiver scent is our favorite, but I also love the Bergamot & Hinoki.

The Best Candles & Diffusers

Hotel Lobby is another brand that’s perfect for gifting because they might not buy it for themselves, but that doesn’t mean they won’t LOVE it!

I personally think their diffusers are a better mom gift than their candles because you get the lovely scents but you don’t have to worry about flames near small children. Positano and Capri are our favorite spring/summer scents!

Fancy Olive Oil

If she’s a foodie, she’ll probably love Brightland Olive Oil. I just recently got their new Lemon & Basil Duo set and not only are both oils delicious, but the bottles look beautiful on our counter. You can get 20% off gift sets right now too!

Kitchen Favorites

Our Place is another brand that I swear by, and therefore love gifting. I’ve given my mom not one but TWO of these oven pans 🤣 They’re pretty, nonstick, easy to clean and you can use them in the oven or on the stove like a griddle.

I also love the perfect pot (so much lighter than other pots which is great for aging parents who still love to cook!), their blender, and the Wonder Oven.

Chappywrap Blankets

One can never have too many blankets and I love supporting this sweet family business. I like their lightweight blankets for summer but I’m also obsessed with this lilac print. Stunning!

Flowers For Dreams Peonies

Not only does Flowers for Dreams put together the most beautiful arrangements, but they also donate 1/4 of their net profits to local charities through their Flowers for Dreams foundation. These peonies will be available starting on May 1st… how STUNNING?!

A night at a hotel

If physical gifts aren’t your love language, ask for/give her a BREAK! So many people said they’ve done this for Mother’s Day and loved it. I feel like I’m not quite there yet, but give me a few years…

Spa Time

I also love the idea of just a day away! Get her a massage, a facial, a mani/pedi. Someone even mentioned botox 🤣

Family Photos

So many moms just want pictures of them with their children, so reach out to her favorite photographer or find a new local one and set it up!

Cleaning Service

This is such a good idea!! Especially if she’s practical and says she doesn’t want anything.

Hope that’s helpful! And don’t forget to check out more ideas here!!

These kinds of lists aren’t as much fun when only 2 or 3 people bought an item I love… but when over 300 people buy my new bathing suit?! THAT IS FUN.

1. One Piece Swimsuit: This was a panic purchase when I realized that none of my bathing suits fit me besides a bikini (that made me feel very exposed - eek!). Luckily the scrunch fabric is super stretchy and a size medium fit me super well. I especially love that it’s not maternity and has built in cups.

   It comes in tons of colors too, but my mom loved mine so much that she ordered one for herself and put it on as soon as it arrived 🤣 A total winner! I sized up to a medium for the bump.

2. Sunscreen Stick: Now that we can/should put sunscreen on Charlie, I asked other moms what they recommend. This stick was super popular because of the ingredients but also because you can easily rub it on their wiggling bodies since it’s a stick! Big fan.

3. Pregnancy Pillow: The hardest part of being on vacation was not having my pregnancy pillow, so I’m thrilled that some of you bought it after I shared the link again! Highly recommend sleeping with it this way - I find it to be so much more comfortable.

   

4. Denim Shirt: I have been wearing this shirt nonstop recently. It’s soft, it’s classic, it covers the bump but it’s not maternity… what more could you want?! I probably would have stuck with petite normally but I got a regular size small for the bump. It’s 40% off too!

5. Stain Spray: This stuff is MAGIC. I used to be a regular stain stick girl until moms stated recommending this spray to me and it really is elite. Gets out berries, coffee, jelly, pasta sauce, you name it!

6. Kizik Sneakers: I’ve loved these slip on shoes for years, but they are especially my favorite when I’m pregnant or freshly postpartum. You truly just step into them - no need to bend over at all. This recent pair is a more everyday vibe, but I also have and love this athletic pair. You can use code LAUREN10 for 10% off too!

7. Gingham Midi Dress: I hadn’t shopped at J.Crew in a while but I got this dress and another striped sheath dress recently - and they’re both SO GOOD. Not maternity but bump friendly, machine washable, super comfy and very versatile. Wear with sneakers, sandals or even heels!

8. Airplane Harness: Charlie was originally going to be a “lap child” on the plane, but once we decided to get him his own seat, I found this harness as a way to keep him safe during takeoff and landing. He didn’t love it, but I also think he’s a little small for it and it will fit him better over the next few years. It’s also FAA approved, super easy to install, and doesn’t take up a lot of space in your suitcase!

9. Cozyphones: How cute are these headphones?! Because he’s young for screen time, we didn’t use these as much as some of the other items we bought for this trip but it was so cute when he did wear them for a few minutes of Ms. Rachel. They’re super soft and connect to your devices via bluetooth!

10. Sunglasses: After losing a few pairs of nice sunglasses, I got this cheap pair a few years ago… and I’ve somehow never lost them 🤣 I’ve had them for so long that I forget to share them sometimes but they’re so good.

A few more links:

The Sephora Sale started yesterday for Rouge members! Since I’m a VIB (and I know most of you are either VIB or Insiders), I’m waiting until we can shop to dive in - but if you don’t want to wait, this post from the fall sale talks through a bunch of my favorites!

Have you seen these new pink and blue “smoothie” colors from Lululemon?! I want it all!

Alice & Wonder launched a Mother’s Day collection that’s raising money for Every Mother Counts. How cute is this SNACKS tote?!

We just got this Stokke travel stroller sent to us… right after our trip of course 🤣 I’ll update you on stories when we set it up!!

Sollybaby is having a Friends & Family sale and I cannot recommend getting one of their wraps if you are expecting a newborn, or shopping for expecting parents. It was my favorite during the early newborn days. One of the only ways Charlie would sleep sometimes!

My go-to pullover recently is 40% off! I love that it’s bump and nursing friendly, but it’s also just so comfy. I feel like I need another color!

I just got these new glasses and I need to show you on stories because they’re so cute - and so affordable too!

Ok that’s it for now. Have a great weekend!

But it was totally worth it, which is why I’m SO excited about this post today! I’ve gathered all of our tips and links from traveling with our almost 15 month old, so let’s dive in:

Top Tips For Flying With A 1 Year Old

1. If you are able to get them a seat, DO IT. We didn’t book him one originally, but after talking to a bunch of moms, I converted some credit card points into miles and went for it. THANK GOODNESS I DID.

   Now that Charlie’s walking, all he wants to do is move and be free… which are two things that are really difficult on an airplane. Having a whole row for the 3 of us allowed him to be wiggly without worrying about elbowing or kicking the person in the seat next to us.
   It was also really nice to have the extra storage - both on top of the seat and underneath. When he was sitting on one of us, his extra toys and snacks were on the seat. No need to constantly put things back in our backpacks. Our row could be chaos and that was okay because it was just us! Such a blessing.

2. Know where your high priority items are in your personal bags. For example, you don’t want to be panicking to find their favorite binky or diapers/wipes.
   We approached this with two backpacks. His diaper bag had diapers, wipes, a backup outfit, and tons of snacks. (See tip below!) The other backpack that had our laptops/iPad also had all of his toys and activities.

3. Pack more snacks than you think you need! We brought a PB&J, Cherrios, puffs, smoothie melts, pick me sticks, pouches… and he ate a LOT of it.

Products That Kept Him (and/or us) Happy

• Travel stroller: This is a must for the airport/going thru security! I procrastinated and this one didn’t make it to us in time, but my sister saved the day and gave us her old Regalo travel stroller. I really wish they still made it because I would absolutely recommend it if they did!

• Seat Harness: Because we were visiting my parents who have a carseat, we didn’t need to bring one on this trip… plus Charlie’s toddler carseat is pretty big and heavy! I think it would be such a pain to bring/install on the plane, but we wanted him to be secure for takeoff and landing.
  I did some googling and found this harness which is the only FAA Approved flying safety device. It was easy to put on the seat and although he didn’t love being strapped in, I was glad we had it for takeoff and landing.

• Snack Spinner: Not only does this hold a variation of snacks, but it doubles as entertainment for your little one! Charlie loved pushing the middle button and watching it spin around. We had to help him open it up to get the actual snacks out, but I think that was a good thing ;)

• Water Bottle: This is Charlie’s favorite straw cup for every day so we stuck with that for this trip instead of getting a water bottle for travel. Luckily it’s spill proof!

• Pop Fidget Toy: These were a HIT! We have other popping toys at home, but these were the perfect size for his little fingers right now. Bonus - they doubled as plates for his PB&J!

• Switch Toy: One of our friends got this for Charlie for his 1st birthday and it’s such a great travel toy! He loved pushing and switching all the buttons. It didn’t keep him entertained for super long - but he did keep coming back to it.

• Busy Book: This came highly recommended from a lot of you and Charlie was definitely interested in it, but he’s a little young for a few of the activities/pages. I’m glad we have it for the future though! I think it will be very helpful at restaurants as he gets older.

• Jelly Sticker Book: We waited to introduce this to Charlie until we were on the plane and he didn’t quite get the concept of putting the stickers IN the book… but he thought it was very cool that they could stick on the window and tv screen!!! A win is a win!

• Lift A Flap Book: I packed this last minute and I’m glad I did. I knew I wouldn’t want to annoy the plane with a million renditions of Little Blue Truck, but this book is small, simple, and he LOVES lifting the flaps to see what’s underneath.

• Toddler Headphones: How cuuuute are these?!?! Charlie’s a little young for any extended screen time, but Ms. Rachel did come in handy to help get him out of one pretty bad meltdown and these headphones were perfect. I love that they’re super soft and comfy for him, they connect to my iPad easily via bluetooth, and they take up no space in our bag. Such a good find!

• Pacifiers and Clips: We try not to give Charlie binkys during the day anymore but we had a bunch on hand for the flights in case his ears were bothering him. He would often spit it out or try to throw it, so having clips were necessary. Definitely don’t want to put something in his mouth after it’s been on the floor of an airplane!

If you’ve traveled with a little one recently, is there anything else you would add? Let us know in the comments!

Adam started a new job that took him out of town 3 times in his first 3 weeks. Going from having him around pretty much all the time to gone overnight for multiple nights was a bit of a shock. Luckily we’re done with that for a while though!

On top of that, Charlie and I had a really bad cold that first week that led to really bad side pain for me. It got so uncomfortable that I went to my OB to make sure that the baby was okay. She told me he was… but she also told me to go to the ER to get a scan to make sure that I didn’t have a blood clot 😳 CASUAL!

Luckily my in-laws were around to help me with Charlie and I did NOT have a blood clot. We think I strained one of those muscles in between my ribs from coughing too much?? Who knows… but it was a doozy to deal with when Adam was out of town.

I’ve also just felt really behind on work, especially a big registry breakdown that I’ve been promising you for a very long time… but I literally worked on it all last night while Adam watched basketball games and it IS actually almost done! I just want to read through everything one more time to check for edits. Eeeee!

But before you get access to that, we’re going to Arizona to spend some time with my family in the sun and I cannot wait. While I have a little travel anxiety, I think it will be really great to get away for a bit.

What’s In My Cart: AE/Aerie is having a huuuuge sale PLUS you can get an extra 30% off when you spend $100 (or if you have an account, 35% off $150!) AND another 25% off with the code JENAE25! That’s… a lot of discounts. I own and LOVE this pullover so much (seen here and here) that I’m considering getting another color - and I put the rest of my current cart here!

What I’ve Purchased Recently: Abercrombie is also having a big sale and it includes this smocked dress that I ordered! I got it in petite small and it fits great but I’m thinking about exchanging it for this dress that you can also wear as a skirt… how fun is that?!

I also ordered this Hill House dress as a potential for photos but I don’t love the flutter on the sleeves so I think I’m back to square one there… any suggestions for a bump friendly dress that has sleeves?? I’m self conscious of my arms right now because your girl hasn’t worked out in a whiiiiile. I just don’t even want that to be a thought when we’re capturing moments with my little fam.

And lastly, if you haven’t heard me rave about this shirt: hi, I love this shirt! And it’s 50% off!!

What I Can’t Get Enough Of: The glimpses of spring that we’ve been getting! Both this winter and pregnancy have been effecting my energy levels and mental health… but when it’s nice out? I’m a NEW PERSON! I also just love being able to put a dress on. I got this one back in 2024 and it’s such a great everyday option that also happens to fit the bump really well!

What I’m Cooking: I made this pasta with chickpeas last night and it was SO EASY - and Charlie loved it! If I wasn’t cooking for a toddler, I think I’d add some red pepper flakes or something else spicy to make it a little more interesting, but it’s definitely a winner.

A few more things:

If you live in Chicago, Alice & Wonder and Mini Wonder dropped their game day collections and everything is SO CUTE! Go Cubbies!

This Pottery Barn collab made me sad that I’ll never have a girl for a minute… and then I realized how much money I’m saving by NOT splurging on stuff like this 🤣 A win is a win!

Have you seen these new align palazzo pants? I think the shortest inseam would still be a little long on me, but I’m intrigued! Based on how my align leggings fit, I bet they’d be bump friendly!

Ok that’s it for now. Have a great weekend!

Adam started a new job that required him to be out of town from Monday morning to Thursday night… aka the longest I’ve been without him since Charlie became mobile 🤣

I was feeling really good about doing it all myself until Charlie and I got these colds that just won’t quit. All of a sudden, getting stuff done before wakeup/during naps/after his bedtime became wayyyy harder. Not feeling 100% + being pregnant + solo parenting + trying (and failing) to keep up with work? OOOOF.

By Thursday night, I was feeling a little defeated so seeing Adam again was the best possible remedy. It made me realize how grateful I am that he’s been around so much because he’s not only incredibly hands on and helpful, but he also just regulates me so much. His presence always makes me feel so much calmer.

But we made it through! Now I just have to get better so I can catch up on my very long to do list… but let’s chat about some fun things in the meantime!

What’s In My Cart: You know I’m a sucker for a good sale and Abercrombie is offering 25% off dresses PLUS you can get an additional 25% off with the stackable code AFLTK! I have my eye on these dresses because they all look super bump friendly and wearable after baby boy arrives this summer.

Also if you aren’t trying to dress a bump, PLEASE BUY THIS! How cuuuuute?!

What I’ve Purchased Recently: Another great sale: GAP is 40% off plus an extra 10% off with code BEST and then another 10% off with code FAMILY if you’re a cardmember! I’ve already been wearing these drawstring jeans nonstop since I got them and I can’t recommend them enough, whether you’re pregnant or not. These dupes for the Rag & Bone miramar pants didn’t work on me, but these shorts, this denim shirt and these long sleeve tees are all winners! See all my picks here.

What We’re Watching: I wasn’t going to watch this season of Southern Charm because I’m just kind of over everyone, but I started it while Adam was gone… OMG Craig is unhinged. All I keep thinking is how glad I am that Paige broke it off with him. YIKES.

What I Can’t Get Enough Of: This robe was a Christmas gift and I wasn’t sure about it at first because it feels like a huge towel… but then I realized that’s what makes it so great 🤣 I look forward to putting it on right after every shower and it’s absorbent and cozy. (I also really love this hair towel and these slippers too!)

More links:

Madewell is 25% off sitewide this weekend for insiders (you just need to sign up for an account) and they have so many beautiful bags and shoes right now!

My favorite baby carrier is 25% off in green and green check this weekend PLUS an extra 10% off with code LAURENN! We tried a bunch of carriers and this was by far the easiest to put on, take off, and adjust - plus its comfy for both you and the baby, you can face them in or out, and it’s cute!

I took Charlie to Target this week to walk around for the first time in a while because we neeeeeded to get out of the house. I ended up trying on a few dresses because they looked really bump friendly - and they were! Really affordable too. Should I have left with any of them? What do you think?

Have you guys ever heard of a pilates chair?! I am so intrigued by it!! (Says the pregnant girl who can’t kick a cold and hasn’t exercised in months 🙈)

I mentioned last weekend that I was thinking of getting this lip stain and lip balms and I’m SO glad I treated myself! The stain stays on for a really long time and the lip balms are super hydrating, have clean ingredients, and smell soooo good. Highly recommend both!

Ok that’s it for now. Have a great weekend!

I’ve been battling a cold (mostly cough) alongside Charlie the past few days and took as much time yesterday to rest as possible - hence why this is being sent out late today. I was also hoping to get a bunch more done today but instead, I will be napping as much as possible because I woke up today with no voice. COOL COOL.

Being pregnant with a 1 year old is already tiring but adding on a little sickness makes it so much worse. I keep reminding myself that at least we’re not sick sick. No fevers or anything like that… just that annoying tickle, a runny nose on our poor baby, and overall run down feeling.

Along reminding myself to be grateful, I am also trying to remind myself that rest is important. It doesn’t make us lazy or lacking ambition or unable to keep up. It just means that we’re human and need to recharge. So if you need to rest this weekend and you can push some things on your to-do list to make it happen… DO IT.

What I’ve Purchased Recently: I bought this pullover on a whim and I’m so glad I did. The color is so cheery and the fabric is insanely soft. It also runs SUPER oversized - I got an XS and it still has plenty of room for the bump to grow… and I’ll be able to wear it postpartum too!

I also placed a Summer Fridays order because they are offering 20% off this weekend with code BDAY - which is a better discount than I’ll get at Sephora next month 🤣 I got a restock of my favorite belly balm (I held onto one from last pregnancy but it’s almost gone now), as well as their new lip liner stain and some pregnancy safe lip balms. I’m excited about all of it!

What’s In My Cart: I got another Anthropologie code for anyone looking to spend $100 or more - and yes that includes me too 😜 Just enter LAKE20 for 20% off your full price purchase! They carry Salt & Stone, so I’m going to stock up on both of our favorite deodorant along this button down shirt and potentially this barn jacket… it’s cute, right?!

If you’re not pregnant like me, there are soooo many other cute options - I gathered a few favorites here!

What I Can’t Get Enough Of: There are few things that taste better to me as a pregnant woman than COLD BEVERAGES - and now we finally have an ice machine and I got myself a new 40 oz tumbler!

I’ve mostly been using my 30 oz Brumate because I like that the straw top is soft so Charlie can’t hurt himself on it… but I wanted something bigger and this HydroJug fits the bill! Not only is it totally leakproof, but it keeps drinks cold and the straw pops up and down. Add it to your Anthro order to hit the $100 threshold so you can get 20% off with my code! (LAKE20)

What We’re Watching: Top Chef is BACK!!! The fact that we could go from weekly tv dates to watch The Traitors straight into weekly Top Chef dates is very exciting. We’re huge fans of the show and it looks like it’s going to be a good season!

Ok that’s all I’ve got for now. Have a great weekend!

Of course, this registry won’t be anywhere near as big as our first - but having two so close together definitely requires some additional purchases.

Luckily, I had an amazing experience with Babylist during my first pregnancy and we’re using them again for this second time around! I literally tell every pregnant person I know to go straight to their site because it makes everything so much easier. Needless to say, I squealed when they wanted to partner together on this post. A dream!!

A few reasons why I love Babylist:

• It’s a universal registry.
  This means that, in addition to their wide catalog of items, you can also add items from ANY website. The exact color you want for your crib is only available from one retailer? Add it! Found clothes from a cool random small business? Add them!

• There is an “open to secondhand” option.
  Baby items don’t always get used for long - which means they might still be in excellent condition when parents don’t need them anymore. Babylist makes it easy to let people know that you’re happy to receive a great deal they found on a secondhand market, or even a direct hand-me-down!

• You can register for cash.
  Similar to a honeymoon fund on a wedding registry, you can create cash funds on Babylist! This is especially great if you are hiring a doula, night nurse, lactation consultant, or if you just want to set up a diaper or college fund.

• Offer a group gifting option.
  Some baby items are really expensive… but instead of feeling bad asking your friends and family to spend that much, you can offer group gifting! This way, they can contribute to bigger ticket items, without going over their budgets.

My Registry Wishlist for Baby #2

Bottle Washer - We hand washed everything with Charlie, and we are NOT doing that again 🤣 A bottle washer and dryer will make life so much easier.

Nanit Monitor - My girlfriends pooled together to get us a Nanit for our first baby and I totally understand why they love it. I know some people don’t like monitors that connect to wifi, but we have found it to be so useful. Not only can we easily pull him up on our phones, but it also gives us a super clear image at a great angle, the ability to zoom, sleep insights and notifications. They also have a split screen feature, so we’ll be able to see both kiddos at the same time in the same app!

Crib - We absolutely LOVE our Nestig crib and we’ve been using it since day 1 with Charlie. Because of that, we were thinking of just getting another one, but we’re realizing that it might make more sense to convert it back into a mini crib and pass it on to baby 2, and then get Charlie a new crib that converts to a toddler bed.

Newton Bassinet - Another reason why we might get a less expensive crib/toddler bed instead of another Nestig is because I’d like to have a bedside bassinet this time around. Newton’s has an adjustable height so he can be perfectly in line with me, and there’s a zipper flap so I can soothe him without getting out of bed and bending over the crib/picking him up. I didn’t get it last time since you only need it for a short bit, but I think it would make recovery a little easier for me!

Newton Mattress - Speaking of Newton, I feel very passionately about Newton mattresses because they have a breathe-thru technology that eases my mom anxiety so much. It’s also completely washable - both the outside AND the inner core. The best.

Diaper Pail - Since we’ll have 2 babes in diapers, we’re going to need another diaper pail!

Wipe Dispenser - Same with this wipe dispenser. The weight on top makes it so much easier to grab a wipe with one hand - a must for both rooms.

Humidifier - We’ll get another one of the same humidifier we have for Charlie! Every other one I’ve had gets gross and moldy, but this one is easy to clean. You can even put some pieces in the dishwasher!

Hatch - We’re going to need another one so we can keep one in each room!

Double Stroller - I remember considering a single stroller that converts into a double last time, but we weren’t sure if/when we’d have another… oops! I actually think I’ll prefer a side by side option though.

TripTrapp for Newborn - This was very generously gifted to us already and I am SO EXCITED to have a safe place to set the baby that Charlie and Luna can’t get to!

Nasal Aspirator - They can share a lot of medical stuff, but I feel like baby 2 should have their own booger sucker, right??

Bathtub - We got a grow-with-me tub that was so convenient, but we starting noticing mold on the 0-9 month insert (and we did everything we could to keep it dry/clean!) so I’m on the hunt for another good option!

Portable Breast Pump - I got rid of most of my breastfeeding stuff because it made me so sad that I couldn’t produce last time… but I think I’m going to try again with baby 2! I’ll get a medical grade pump from insurance but I think a portable one is going to be necessary with 2 under 2. How else will I be able to fit it into my day?!

Favorites That We’ll Be Reusing

Baby Brezza Formula Maker - WE LOVE OUR BABY BREZZA! As someone who didn’t produce enough milk and needed to use formula, this was a game changer - especially in the beginning when they have so many bottles in one day! The best.

Dr. Brown’s Bottles - We are a very loyal Dr. Brown’s family. Charlie loved their bottles and we loved that their internal vent system helped prevent spit up and gas. We use their straw cups now that he’s bigger too!

Burp Cloths - We loooove our burp cloths so we will definitely be reusing!

Keeekaroo Changing Pad - Sometimes I think about how wipeable changing pads haven’t always been a thing… could you imagine doing laundry every time you got any poop, pee, or spit up on the changing pad? Instead, I can just give it a quick wipe and move on!

Swaddles - No need to buy any more because we have a ton of options in different sizes.

Solly Wrap - This was a lifesaver for me in the early newborn days. I’m hoping baby 2 loves being snuggled up against me as much as Charlie did!

MABE Carrier - Once they get a little bigger, this is my favorite baby carrier, hands down. Easy to put on and take off, cute, and comfy for both of us!

Babybjorn Bouncer - For everyone’s sake, you need a safe place to put the baby down, and this is the best in the early days.

Nuna Carseat - As long as there isn’t a recall, we’ll reuse our newborn carseat for baby 2! It worked great for us and hooks right into our stroller.

Nuna Triv Stroller - While I’m sure I’ll need a double stroller a lot, there will also be times when we can use our beloved Triv stroller again!

Nuna Bassinet - Not only is this great for newborn walks (it attaches into the Triv), but you can also pop it on the stand for naps on the go - for example, at our parents’ houses. I think we’ll also use it on the stand for naps on our first floor if for some reason we don’t want to/need to bring him upstairs in the early days.

Bath Thermometer - This might seem like an unnecessary purchase to some but I can’t tell what 100 degrees feels like just by touching water. I need a little help!

Fisher Price Kick & Play Piano - The best toy for new babies. I hope baby 2 loves it as much as Charlie did.

Lovevery Gym - It took him a little longer to love this one, but once he did, it was a hit - and it’s still in his room now!

Lovevery Toy Subscription - Since it hasn’t been that long, we obviously still have all of the toys from our Lovevery subscription that baby 2 will be able to play with!

Beis Diaper Bag - The benefit of getting a huge carry-all diaper bag is that we’ll be able to fit both of their stuff in it!

If you’re expecting your 2nd soon, I hope this was helpful for you! And thanks again to Babylist for sponsoring this post!

I’ve been doing this a long time and growth has been pretty stagnant the past few years - so to all of a sudden grow 2,000 followers from a post that lays out exactly who I am? That feels exciting 🥰

At the same time, because I’ve been doing this a long time, I am always trying to remind myself that community and longevity are equally as important as those vanity goals. So if you have any suggestions for what kind of content you like best, what you’d like to see more of, or any other suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments.

Making friends in real life

In addition to making new online friends, I also made some new real life friends last night! I recently reconnected with a girl I knew back in high school who very generously invited me to a girls night she was hosting last night… and I am SO glad I went. It was SO nice to be surrounded by a group of nice, smart, and welcoming women for a few hours.

Making friends as an adult can be really hard - and even when you get the opportunity to meet new people, it can feel scary. I’m sure some extroverts are laughing at this, but if you’ve ever had any social anxiety in your life, you know what I mean!

It’s so easy to get in your head about it - will they like me? Will I like them? Do I really need to add more to my calendar when I’m already overwhelmed?

But ultimately, the worst that can happen is that you don’t vibe with anyone… and the best that can happen is you connect with people that you look forward to seeing again!

So if you’ve been looking for a sign to put yourself out there, let this be it 😘

What I’ve Purchased Recently: I’ve been majorly struggling with sleep so I finally got this big pregnancy pillow. I had a smaller one that worked just fine last time around and I loved that it didn’t take up too much space in bed/people warned me the pillow part of the big ones hurt their necks - but I’m so glad I decided to treat myself to a little upgrade!

Turns out, Adam doesn’t even really notice how big it is in bed - woo! As for the pillow aspect, I ended up flipping it around so I can still sleep on my own pillow and it’s working great. Such a good little hack that I’ll show you over on IG soon.

What I Can’t Get Enough Of: I made a quiche this week and I honestly forgot how delicious it is - AND how great it is for meal prep. It’s been such an easy way for both Charlie and I to get some protein and veggies in first thing in the morning, especially since it only takes a few seconds to heat up each day. I’ve also been mixing some of my homemade chia jam into yogurt for him to eat on the side with a little fresh fruit… and I’ve been having some too because wow, that combo is goooood!

What We’re Watching: We started Love Story and they hype is REAL! We were a little too young for all of the hoopla around JFK Jr and Carolyn Bessette, but I still remember their lore and the show sucked me in right away. Those two actors look so much like them and their chemistry is off the chart! Cannot wait for more episodes.

What I Purchased This Week: I’ve been reaching for my Gap Factory jeans SO MUCH, that I decided to order some of the other drawstring pants I saw in Gap last week. 1) it will be nice to have more options, 2) I like that these drawstrings are the same color as the pants, and 3) they’re on sale right now!! I’ll be sure to share what I keep from my order when it arrives - and if you’re pregnant like me, I’ve linked more bump friendly clothing options here.

What I’m Listening To: I am very into the new Mumford & Sons album, but specifically The Banjo Song. Have you guys listened yet? It’s so good!

What’s In My Cart: Fake spring in Chicago has made me daydream about real spring coming soon! Since it will be our first summer in the new house, we definitely want to get a few planters for our front porch area and our backyard. We’re trying to decide if we want to plant veggies and herbs or just stick to flowers, but either way I think these are so pretty!

This swing chair also makes me want to snuggle up with an iced coffee and a good book… do we think I’ll be able to make that happen with a newborn and toddler this summer? A girl can dream, right?! 😜

Have a great weekend!