May + June Haps
Ah, life lately…
it’s been full!
How have you been? What have you been up to?
Maybe you feel it too — the busy of summertime, stores and restaurants opening, trips being taken. It feels something akin to normal, and for us, it feels like a new, exciting normal on the brink of life changing drastically again. Baby boy is almost here, and we are in full prep mode. I’m currently 35 weeks (and growing!) :)
Here are the haps for the last two months!
Look at those teeth!!
Lots of Travel
Father’s Day in Beaufort - We stole away to spend some special family time together, just the three of us, while we’re still a family of three! It was so relaxing! We went to the Farmer’s Market, made meals at home, and swam in the swimming pool (Griffin’s favorite!)
Who is this big kid?!
Reading
The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother - I got this book as part of my birthday loot, and I haven’t put it down since then. It is THE guide I’ve been looking for an intentional, health-filled postpartum (& it is so very pretty!)
A Little Princess - I had registered for several of these Puffin in Bloom classics or Griffin’s library, and have so enjoyed going through them before reading them to her. This book is so precious and is one of my favorite stories. It’s a little different than the 1995 movie version (which I also love) but still very much has that sparkly, tenacious, otherworldly feeling!
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth - Hands down the best book for birth prep in my opinion, even if you aren’t planning for an unmedicated birth. It’s SO helpful to know what your body is doing during birth, and to know it is a common, natural, often beautiful occurrence!
Mom Heart Moments: Daily Devotions for Lifegiving Motherhood + Streams in the Desert - these have been my morning devotionals, very simple but they get my mind and heart in a steadier place for the day.
Listening to
Mat Kearney’s new album January Flower - GREAT album, perfect for summer! And if you want a dancey song, go straight for I Don’t Really Care
Higher Power (Acoustic version!) by Coldplay - I enjoy this acoustic version more than the OG! It hearkens back to Parachutes and makes me want to dance!
The Refined Collective Podcast with Kat Harris - I really appreciate that Kat isn’t afraid to talk about subjects that are often swept under a rug. She approaches prayerfully, researches well, and talks using common, comfortable language (and with a good sense of humor!)
Watching
Farmhouse on Boone’s Vlog - My fave thing to watch while cleaning, cooking, and taking care of Griffin at home
XO, MaCenna’s Vlog - She’s just so positive and inspiring! I especially love her thrift trips.
This sermon from Patricia Bootsma at my church (CTF Raleigh) - it is SO GOOD! Need more peace in your life? Highly recommend you watch (and if you’re like me, rewatch) this guy!
Writing
Copywriting: Finished up a big project at work providing website words for a fashion stylist! Also finished up a personal writing client - floral designer website words are ready to go live!
More poetry and lyrics have been flowing, and I’ve been taking more intentional time in the mornings and evenings to make sure I journal a little. That has been really helpful to sort out my big hormone emotions :)
Writing lots of posts here! I’ve been trying to finish up all the ideas for posts here, and that way, you’ll have plenty to read while I’m gone!
Still a WIP, but we’re getting there!
Baby Prep
The nice thing about having babies close together is that prepping for the next baby doesn’t feel like as big of a to-do. The big purchases/changes have been a bigger family car (praise God), a double stroller, and rearranging/selling furniture to be able to fit another baby and their stuff in our house.
Most of my prep this time has involved some intentional furniture placements (like a game of Tetris in our house), food and pantry prep, and organizing baby clothes/toys/gear so that we only have age-appropriate items out for both kids. Everything else is in the attic or the shed!
Am I in my undies? Yes. But I LOVE this capture of my 8-months-pregnant belly!
I turned 34!
It’s always a little sad when your bday falls in the middle of the week, and because we’ve been doing so much traveling, and John had to go to work for most of the day, I knew it’d be low-key. I’ve always been a birthday lover, but can I just say, this is the first birthday I’ve ever not felt excited about. But I buckled up, and I decided to make the day simple, refreshing, restorative, and fun!
My friend Elizabeth had offered to take maternity pics for us, and what I had in mind was more of a day-in-the-life shoot at home with my John, my girl, and my bump. So I scheduled those for bday morning to help make things feel special. We made pancakes, we took pics, and then John scooted off to work. Then I met up with my SILs/BFFs for coffee, and we just chatted and relaxed. Jess took Griffin while I ate lunch and went on a leisurely thrift trip.
As a bonus bday celebration a few weekends later, my MIL took us to get steam facials at Trellis (so fun, and a more time- and budget-friendly option for a facial), out to a (cooked) sushi lunch, and then to Cedar Creek Gallery!
Garden Party with Friends
When my friend Em asked if I wanted to join forces with her and Nancy to celebrate new babies, springtime, seeing friends in person, and beautiful weather, I gave an immediate yes! Now, all kudos go to Em for being the creative dreamer and gusto behind this soiree — I invited some loved ones and showed up with an armful of ice cream sandwiches, Bubly drinks, and fruit, LOL! I have to say, for 3 heavily pregnant ladies, we did a pretty great job of setting up and looking less sweaty than we actually were : )
We welcomed our respective groups of lady friends, all adorned in garden-party dresses. We chatted over Meditteranean bowls as the afternoon faded to a perfect summer evening (complete with lightning in the distance!) And these gals surprised me with a bday song and cake!
Be sure to read Em’s recap post of the party here!
What have you been up to lately? Any summer trips you’ve taken (or are planning to take?)
Anything you’re particularly enjoying recently? Books, podcasts, or products?
Let me know below!
