I love a crisp white summer dress and this maxi and this one are the types that will never get old. I love the bedazzled waist of this one. It would be so great for a bride!
I’m loving all the shades of blue I’m seeing around right now… maybe it’s just the new baby boy of it all. But this dress and this one look so sweet for spring and summer.
Loose-fitting dresses like this one, this one and this one are going to be my go-to this spring until I feel more comfortable in my skin as my body is still changing week to week. I hate buying fitted things that may not work later on, so loose, gauzy pieces like that are so great as they’ll fit long term also.
Next week I plan on sharing my denim picks, but if you have any wish list themes you’d love to see please drop a comment! I’m always looking for ideas.
dress – $25 and came in handy many times in this pregnancy
We welcomed a healthy little boy, Theodore “Theo” Thorne, into the world exactly one week ago on March 15, 2022, and he is a delicious dream, sent straight from heaven. Both names happen to be family names on my side, and when I looked up the meaning of Theodore and saw it meant “gift of God,” there were no doubts that this little baby would be Theo if a boy.
I shared a short reel video on Instagram here of some of our favorite moments. I may have watched this video 20x and I think I cry each time.
Theodore comes from my great uncle and Thorne was my grandmother’s maiden name (along with my dad and sister’s names – we probably now have over 20 Thorne’s in the family). A fun fact – we didn’t name Hudson until the day he was born because we were undecided between Hudson and Theodore. So we always knew if we had another boy, his name would probably be Theo. So it’s extra exciting and wild that he now exists and is here with us!
Our girl name was the same girl name we had for Hudson if he had been a girl… so we will have to see if it ever gets used. 🙂
I look forward to sharing more about Theo’s birth story later on when we have settled in a little bit more. For now, we are all working on adjusting, healing and finding our new rhythm with our boys.
This pregnancy was so different than my first, both in how I carried the baby as well as my symptoms, nausea all throughout my first and third trimesters, back pain, etc. At times I thought it could be a little girl which would have been magical also, but knowing my two boys will be two grades apart and grow up playing together gives me so many happy feelings. My sister and I were four years apart and it took a long time for us to really be “friends.” I was always envious of those with same-gender siblings close in age. I can’t wait to watch their relationship as they grow older. Christian and his little brother are back-to-back and lifelong best friends.
Thank you so much for your encouragement, love, and warm wishes. We are in a newborn fog but joyous, grateful, and in awe of the miracle of this healthy addition to our family. Knowing how quickly these weeks and months pass does make us look at them differently this time around. Don’t get me wrong – it’s still exhausting but fleeting for sure.
PS – a few posts you may like if you like this one:
Sharing some athleisure and workout picks that I’m loving right now. I am so excited to be able to fit in workout clothes again. Currently, even my maternity exercise clothes are tight. So that will be exciting to be able to just grab something and go.
To shop, simply click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage.
– prepping the house for all the newborn nesting ahead –
This week has been a little chaotic but in a great way. For the past nine days, we have been staying upstairs in our guest bathroom and bedroom while we had some repair work done on our primary bathroom. Halfway into this week, it was complete (yay!) and we were able to have our bathroom and bedroom cleaned which means we can bring the bassinet down and really feel fully prepared and ready for this baby, arriving in a few days or sooner.
On that note, I’ve been doing all the things someone having a baby any day now does – buying plants, refreshing orchids, touching up the paint on cabinets… you know, the necessary things. Deep cleaning sanitizing and organizing. It’s that weird instinctual feeling you get before anything big happens. Anxious energy I guess?
We have a hand-me-down slatted bassinet for our bedroom, but this gorgeous leather tufted bassinet is nestled into our main living space for daytime naps. Seeing Hudson use it here, it is going to be so sweet to see this next baby use some of the same things we used two years ago.
Other than that, I’m trying to rest when I can, soak up my last days with my only baby and get myself mentally psyched for what’s ahead. I think it’s both more and less overwhelming when you have an idea of what to expect. Thank you so much for reading! XO –
With spring weather coming for some of us, I’ve spent a few days tidying up our patio to prepare for more afternoons and play time outside. I’m sure the sight of a 9-month pregnant lady with a leaf blower is something to see. Which inspired me to put together some pretty patio picks for this week’s wish list!
To shop, simply click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage.
A lot of this depends on if you have a covered patio or not. We thankfully do have a large covered patio, but it’s not screened in. You’d be surprised how much is blown onto the covered part. Don’t get me wrong – we still love that it’s covered and overlooks the yard but I definitely need to deep clean everything at least once a year.
I love these roped LED lights – how fun is that? I also need a citronella candle like this for spring and summer evenings outside. I prioritize pretty planters inside, but when it comes to outside I try not to invest too much. We have had strong winds knock over three planters and break them… just nthis year. This footed one really caught my eye, and I think this one is pretty too.
We have one area that I think would really thrive with an umbrella like this, but I wonder how long it would be pretty until the sun faded it? Does anyone have experience with that?
I bought two of these chairs for our patio and they’re so comfortable – I’ve never regretted it. But dang… how fun are these or these? And I love the simplicity of these.
These poufs are so cute and I think they would work in or outside. Love them.
If you’ve made a good patio purchase lately, do share. I love a patio makeover! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
Last weekend we snapped some photos to document the last days of life with just one child. These two years with only him have been so special. A learning experience for everyone, but also less chaotic than it will become and super sweet as a little family trio.
Christian and I both grew up with two siblings, and I can’t imagine my childhood without them. I always knew we wanted to give Hudson a sibling or two, so this is a natural next step. But I love these photos to capture our last week just with our one big boy before his world changes.
photos by Christian Barnes
I posted some of these photos with music on Instagram over the weekend and got some of the sweetest responses about the bond between people’s first two children. I’m still reading through all of them and it’s been so heartwarming!
Thank you so much for reading and sharing in this joy and excitement with us – XO –
– Hudson spending more time in his “big boy” room (tent | cushion | shelving) –
– these black and white pictures showing how babies don’t keep –
– it’s Christian’s birthday today – we are ready to celebrate him! –
– surprise roses for me from the thoughtful birthday boy (vase, custom Frances Moreno Art) –
– always ready to receive the day’s gratitude –
Today is Christian’s birthday! God bless someone married to this big, tired, pregnant lady on your birthday, but I’ve tried to make it special for him today because boy do we love him. And I extra love that he encouraged me to phone it in and buy a cookie cake instead of bake a homemade one (like we would usually do). Truly appreciate the hall pass!
We have been spending more and more time in Hudson’s “big boy” room lately – reading books, playing on the bed, and in his little tent. He isn’t sleeping in there just yet, but as we prepare to make the transition I love seeing how much he loves his new space. And I really look forward to having another baby in the same nursery where I fed and rocked Hudson too.
Other than that, I have some nesting weekend plans while Christian has some fly fishing plans – everyone wins. The weather has been so gorgeous lately that I find myself ready to work in the yard, refresh my herb garden and see what is starting to bloom. My favorite part of spring!
This week’s wish list is just some overall spring things I’m loving right now. The weather has been SO GORGEOUS this week! We have been cleaning up our patio, preparing for the sweet weeks ahead (it’s baby month!), and I’m getting ready to move some of our more tropical plants back out to the patio.
But let’s get back to the fashions. To shop, simply click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage.
I have these heels and love seeing them available again. They go with everything!
I can’t wait to wear tops with jeans again. That is usually my go-to. Loving this spotted one, this sleek one and a big loose tee (would be amazing for fourth trimester!).
I love bringing in color through jewelry and these earrings and these earrings are some favorites of mine right now. These aren’t colorful but I’ve had them for a few years and they totally go with everything.
I’m all about midi dresses always, even better if they’re solids and versatile. However, I’m loving this printed one and it’s selling out so fast!
Let me know what you have your eye on this spring. I am so excited for a spring baby and the chance to ditch these maternity clothes. Bring. It. On!! Thanks for reading – XO –
When I was pregnant with Hudson I wrote this letter to him, and it’s in his baby book and still so special to me.
So it’s only fitting that I write a new letter, to our second baby and soon-to-be newest member of our family.
Dear Little One,
We don’t know if you’re a little boy or girl, but we do know a lot of things. We know that you were prayed for over many months, right here in this room where I’m standing with you in these photos. I would kneel at this bench and pray for another person to be sent to join our family. And now we are a few weeks from seeing your beautiful face for the very first time.
You are much more active in my belly than your big brother was, always rolling and moving around. You have probably felt a few sudden jabs or “gentle” patting from Hudson – sorry about that. We talk about you a lot, and sometimes he doesn’t realize how strong he is. But he is so excited to meet you, and he loves making new friends. You’re really lucky to have him as your big brother. Hudson is charismatic, joyful and makes friends swiftly and confidently. I know he will always look out for you. That’s what big brothers do.
Your dad is so patient and kind. He loves to read books and sing songs, and I know you will love having him put you to bed at night. You won’t see him most days when you wake up, that will be our special time. But at night, there is no one you’ll love more than Dad. He always knows what to do, and you can always count on him. He’s constant, he is loyal and you can trust him no matter what. He recently told me that he can’t wait to hold you while you’re sleeping, and I know you’ll love that too. I’ve been keeping you all to myself these past nine months, but it’s almost time to share you with him! Hudson and I think he’s the greatest, and I know soon you will too.
And you and me. Oh my, you and me. I have been praying for the person you will be and that we will have an instant connection as soon as our eyes meet. I know you have been created by God, sent to join our family as a beautifully created puzzle piece we’ve been missing. We can’t wait to see who you are and are thankful for the privilege to watch your personality unfold day by day. Your brother made me a mom, but you get all the benefits of being our second baby. We already have all the gear. We have the books. We are more comfortable and confident, having learned some tips and tricks with your brother. We have everything ready for you, whenever you decide to join us on the outside.
We can’t wait to meet you. All three of us already love you so much, and your mom and dad look forward to showing you how much we love you for the rest of our lives. See you soon, little baby.
Love,
Mama
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, where I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
Psalm 139: 13-16
Thank you so much for reading and sharing this joy with us – XO –
I recently packed my hospital bag and actually used my first hospital bag packing list to remember what to take with me. Truthfully, I think it’s the best resource for all the little details, but I wanted to share a few extra things I have in my bag this time!
One thing I couldn’t remember if they offered me at the hospital or not last time was a heating pad. I’ve had a lot of back pain this time around (this support belt has been really useful), and I don’t want to go anywhere without my heating pad.
I have this nursing pillow but when I originally bought it for Hudson, it didn’t offer these beautiful velvet covers! Mine is gray and white cotton, and I’m jealous of this green velvet.
At the hospital where I delivered, the towels were super small and thin. I was so glad I had brought a velcro towel wrap and shower shoes. I think I only showered once while there for two nights, but I was so thankful to have a few small things to make that experience easier and nicer.
I’m also bringing a variety of pacifiers that I’ve already washed and sterilized. Hudson’s favorite were these despite my efforts to get him to like “cuter” ones.
I’ve got the doona car seat/stroller installed in my car and ready to go. I don’t know how I would have survived the first year without it! Worth the investment.
I have these pajamas and these pajamas in my bag, along with a little pink and blue going home outfit for me and a mini steamer. I also packed some sweet outfits and swaddles for the baby, specifically pants so I could easily get them in the car seat for the ride home. I remember crying on the ride home with Hudson because I just couldn’t believe our baby was here, healthy and on the outside of my body. Overwhelming gratitude.
For other second or third-time moms out there, was there anything you added to your hospital bag that you’re glad you did? Again, this original post is what I used to pack my bag this time and I still find it super helpful.
I made this sour cream coffee cake twice over the holiday season and again recently for our church’s small group. It is so easy and so delicious, and I think it would be a great baked treat to bring to a gathering if you’re traveling.
I made a personal note to remember how delish it is for the next time I’m heading on a family trip and don’t know what to bring!
Crumble Ingredients:
1.5 cups pecans, chopped
1/3 cup white sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp salt
3 TB melted butter
Cake Ingredients:
1 7/8 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup butter
1 cup white sugar
2 large eggs
1.5 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
Directions:
Set oven to 350. Grease a large baking dish. Mix crumble mixture until well blended.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder.
In the third (and final!) bowl, mix the butter, sugar, eggs, extract and sour cream. Slowly add in flour mixture, and try not to overmix.
Spread half of the batter in the dish and top with half of the crumble. Then apply another layer of batter and top with the rest of the crumble. You may need to use your hands to spread out the batter but it will all bake perfectly, even if it looks imperfect!
Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes.
If you try this, let me know what you think! Thanks so much for reading and find more of my favorite recipes under “home –> food & drink.” XO –
It’s almost the weekend! This is has been a more peaceful week, and I’ve really enjoyed the slower pace. I’ve been baking, trying not to panic that this baby is almost fully cooked and soaking up every minute of having an only child. Man, have the past two years been so sweet focusing on just the one.
This banana bread turned out so delicious this week, over half the loaf was eaten in 24 hours. Toddler approved, Hudson loved the “banana cake.”
Last weekend I had a joint sprinkle with one of my closest friends in Georgia, and it was so sweet to celebrate these two little babies that are going to be arriving so soon. I didn’t have anything like that with Hudson, and just to look around the room and see all of these women and mothers I know I can lean on, it was so, so, so meaningful. Even more than I thought it would be.
This weekend I have a few more newborn things I need to get down from the attic, including the car seat. It’s going to be really weird to look in my backseat and see two car seats!
Unlike last weekend, I don’t have reasons to put on heels this weekend (hallelujah), so I will be staying comfortable in loungewear. Hopefully, we’ll have the nice weather that is predicted and we can go on some walks. I’m trying to stay as active as I can in these last few weeks. It’s hard to make myself do it, but I always feel so much better afterwards.
