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.

 

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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 –

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black and white mother son portrait

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.

second pregnancykathleen and hudson barnessecond pregnancymother and sonballard designs lamptoddler kiss bellyoldest son

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 –

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childrens play tent

– Hudson spending more time in his “big boy” room (tent | cushion | shelving) –

staircase frames

– these black and white pictures showing how babies don’t keep –

moody floral wallpaper

– it’s Christian’s birthday today – we are ready to celebrate him! –

long bolster pillow

– surprise roses for me from the thoughtful birthday boy (vase, custom Frances Moreno Art) –

gratitude cards

– 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!

Thank you guys so much for reading – XO –

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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.

 

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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.

Also, love these Ray Bans for less-style sunglasses!

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 –

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second baby

robe | slip | room details

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.

third trimester baby bumppink silk slipsoma slip and robea letter to my baby

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

pink silk slip

“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 –

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36 weeks pregnant

similar sweater dress here (on sale) and here | neckerchief | boots | room details

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!

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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.

Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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easy coffee cake recipe

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!

easy coffee cakecoffee cake recipesour cream coffee cake recipecoffee cake recipe

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 –

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green and white hydrangeas

– the most beautiful flowers from last weekend’s sprinkle –

signed baby blocks

– and signed baby blocks that are so special –

white maternity sweater dress

– squeezing into this maternity dress that is nearly out of room (dress is from 2019, similar style here) –

ruffled bowl

– loving the look of these ruffled bowls stacked –

homemade banana bread

– making the best homemade banana bread

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.

Thanks so much for reading! XO –

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Answering a commonly asked question from the past few months, “what are your pregnancy/maternity must-haves?”

Below you’ll find some of the items I’ve leaned on the most in the past 8-9 months. Below the collage I go into more details as to why I love them. To shop, simply click directly on the item or find the associated number below the collage.

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I would never have gotten through either pregnancy without these leggings. I also love these. I also cling to a few great pairs of maternity denim (though after about month 7 jeans are no longer comfortable for me).

This pregnancy I bought a pair of overalls (the exact ones I bought are sadly no longer available) and they have been GREAT. Super comfortable and easy. I also love these and these.

I have this tee in white and black, and while not technically “maternity,” they have side slits that make them perfect for a growing baby bump.

This $36 oversized sweater was a great buy for fall and winter and is long enough to work with both jeans and leggings, which was awesome. Similarly, I’ve had this coatigan for a few years now and it’s THE BEST. So comfortable and a great layering piece pregnant or not.

Maternity underwear. Once I get to the third trimester it’s game over with anything but these or these. I also have three of these nursing bras that I already started wearing instead of buying a larger-sized bra during pregnancy. They are, by a landslide, leaps and bounds better than any nursing bra I used with Hudson.

A pregnancy pillow. I used this one with Hudson, but this time around I pulled it out much earlier. This baby is positioned much more uncomfortably and my back hurts constantly. I sleep soooo much better when using it. On that note, a beautiful and comfortable pair of slippers is always appreciated. Along with my 40 oz. tumbler I lovingly call my “big gulp.”

These pajamas have been amazing for pregnancy and postpartum. They’re super soft and stretchy and I have 3-4 pairs.

Lastly, I bought this sequined duster cardigan right before I got pregnant thinking it would be such a fun piece to have to dress up a basic black maternity dress. And during the holidays it was a HIT. I could layer over a maternity black turtleneck dress, add sparkly earrings and boots and it looked so much more thoughtful than a plain LBD. Win!

If you have any super favorites during your pregnancy, I’d love to hear. Thanks so much for reading! XO –

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taco salad

I saw this taco salad recipe on tik tok and made it last weekend for a big lunch. It was so good! I added chopped grilled chicken to Christian’s salad and kept mine meat-free.

I am going to share the dressing first because I think that is the best part. It keeps for over a week and it means you can really put it on any base. I’ve since made a hodge podge salad base and just added this dressing. Delicious! I also think it would be great on scrambled eggs or in a breakfast taco or burrito, but that may just be me.

I would recommend not tossing it all together as the lettuce will only keep in the fridge for about 24 hours after being tossed.

taco salad recipetaco salad recipe

CREAMY AVOCADO DRESSING RECIPE:

1 avocado

2 cloves garlic

2 cups cilantro (I subbed parsley because Christian doesn’t care for cilantro)

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

1/4 cup Greek yogurt

2/3 cup water

1/3 cup olive oil

1/2 tsp kosher salt (or more to taste)

optional: 1-2 jalapeños

SALAD BASE:

2 hearts of romaine, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1/3 chopped red onion (or more to taste)

1 cucumber

1 can drained black beans

1/3 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (also good with sunflower seeds)

optional: grilled or shredded chicken

I served it with blue corn tortilla chips and a cold topo chico (the best!). For more loaded salad recipes I would highly recommend Kat Can Cook on Tik Tok. She has some amazing recipes!

Thanks so much for reading, and for more of my favorite recipes check out the “food & drink” category at the top of this site under “home.” I made this salad the week before and am still so obsessed with it. Thanks for reading – XO –

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sezane red sweater

– when your bump has gotten to the place that a cup can rest upon it… –

sweater available here

white roses

– beautiful roses from Christian when I was having a rough day –

gold chainlink necklace

– loving this necklace and ring from Frances Valentine –

toddler silhouette painting

– finally hanging this precious silhouette

python booties

– felt cute after church, took a pic (similar outfit linked here) –

What a week! It has been a busy one, maybe too busy for a person this pregnant. This is the last week that I have this much on my social calendar before this baby comes, and it’s probably for the best. I feel ambitious making plans but truthfully, I canget tired just looking at too many things on my calendar. I need a few nesting days to get the baby’s closet and drawers organized (but the 0-3 month clothes have been washed – so that’s something!).

One thing that has been really nice about having things on the calendar is that it has forced me to really get dressed, curl my hair, put on makeup and an outfit. It really is amazing what putting your best foot forward can do for your mood and confidence. It takes a little more effort to dress around this bump, but I’m grateful to see my reflection and say, “good for you.”

We hosted our small group in our home this week and I made a coffee cake that is so easy and good. I made it a few times over Christmas break but was able to photograph it this time so I will be sharing that recipe very soon!

Would you guys want to hear about hospital bag packing this time around? Honestly, I’ve made my list based on this post I did when I was pregnant with Hudson. But I didn’t know if an updated post was needed or not. Would love to hear any feedback!

Thanks so much for reading and hope you have a beautiful weekend – XO –

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green goddess salad

I saw this chopped cabbage salad all over tik tok and I HAD to see what the fuss what about.

And it’s amazing. Seriously. Christian ate it, the babysitter ate it, I ate it for a week. You can also tweak it a few ways to make it your own, so we’ll talk about that as well.

I have only made this recipe once and it makes a HUGE portion. So next time I will consider halving it. Just a thought! Scroll for recipe –

cabbage saladbaked by melissa salad

SALAD BASE:

one head cabbage, finely chopped

2-3 cucumbers, finely chopped

1/4 cup chives, diced

1 bundle green onions

DRESSING:

juice of 2 lemons

1/4 cup olive oil

2 TB rice vinegar

2 cloves garlic

1 shallot

1/3 cup chives

1/4 cup walnuts or cashews (I actually did 1/4 cup of both!)

1 cup fresh basil leaves

1 cup fresh spinach

1/3 cup nutritional yeast

1 tsp salt

Optional: 1 avocado (I used this), 1-2 fresh jalapeños

DIRECTIONS:

It’s a lot of chopping – but I promise it’s worth it!

Blend all dressing ingredients in a blender until smooth and delicious. Taste and season additionally as preferred.

The original recipe shows the creator eating it with blue corn tortilla chips (as pictured), but I’ve also put it on top of a toasted low-carb tortilla that had refried beans spread on it. Top with the salad and it’s like a quick and easy tostada.

If you try this – let me know what you think! Thanks so much for reading and you can find more of my favorite recipes under “home –> food & drink.” XO –

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