{image by Teresa K Photography}
It's been a *very* hard secret to keep. Each day we continue to be amazed. We are full of joy, excitement, fear at the newness of it all.
{image via Zia and Tia}
I am ecstatic to share with you this joyful news, we thank God every single day for this tremendous gift.
{image by Melking of Fotolia.com}
There will be a gender reveal party, a baby shower, a baptism, a nursery design reveal....many exciting things to come.
Your prayers would be deeply appreciated as we continue on this exciting journey. Thank you for your incredible support.
{image via here}
AND....I need your help! Do you have any favorite baby products? Must-haves for clothing, accessories, decorations, toys and play things, books, swaddle blankets, crib bedding, bath products, diapers, websites, resources....ANY and ALL?
{image via here}
Please share, I would love to learn of your favorites!
Posts
84 comments:
Congratulations, sweet Kate! So so so excited for you. What a blessed and lucky little one. You're going to be a terrific mom. Lifting you three up!
congrats! i am not a mom yet but i have done some pregnancy style posts for friends on my blog. http://lachapstickfanatique.blogspot.com
These bloggers also give out some really great pregnancy and mom advice:
1. http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/
2. http://e-tells-tales.blogspot.com/
3. http://taza-and-husband.blogspot.com/
So exciting! Congrats! We love the swaddles from Aiden & Anaise. They are the best thing we recieved as a baby gift, and now they are my go-to gift.
Congratulations! Such very exciting news! xo
Congrats! We just found out we are expecting baby #3. Heres a list of my fave products and some I can't wait to get my hands on for this new baby!
Clothing:
Zutano, Tea Collection, Babysoy, Vyssan Lull. Under the Nile
Gear:
BOB Stroller, Maxi-cosi carseats, 4MOMS Mamaroo swing-want this and hear it is AMAZING!!! ErgoBaby carrier is a must have!
Pottery Barn cribs and changing tables are great qaulity, love Poshtots as well and Layla Grace for nursery and baby decor.
Petunia Picklebottom of course for the best diaper bags.
I'm sure I have more but thats all I can think of for now, enjoy your pregnancy!!!
Congratulations!! My daughter is pregnant too with a baby girl! I make custom items in my Etsy shop and would love to make yours something too! Check it out:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/carmencustomcreation
Congratulations. I look forward to viewing all your upcoming events to celebrate your blessing.
Congrats!!!!!!!!!!! I am so happy for you and your husband! Lot's of pretty parties in your future! I have lots of favs.:)
Such an exciting time...all the wonder, anticipation...enjoy every minute of it!! CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations! It will be a wild ride!
So excited, I can't wait to see all the fun things that lie ahead for you and your growing family. The Royal Details now sews all kinds of custom clothes for babies and children. I can't wait to find out if you guys are having a boy or a girl, such fun! Keep us up to date, I am pretty sure there will be love and congrats from Texas headed your way upon the big gender reveal ;) And you know I love to add names and monograms to things so keep me updated, yay!!
Congrats to you and your hubby! What an exciting time! I wish you all the best.
OMGOSH!!!!! Im SO TRHILLED FOR YOU!!!
I WISH someone would have given me this http://www.mobywrap.com/
when my baby was first born!!
I didnt get it until she was like 6 months .. i was very grateful bc it is the BEST wrap out there But i wished i would have had it sooner.. its kinda daunting when you first get it b/c its so long and your like.. what am i going to do wiht all this fabric! but Youtube has alot of videos to help you be an expert :)
YAY!!! So So SoOO Excited!
Oh Kate I am SO extremely thrilled for you and Ryan. What a true blessing! Congrats to you both!!
Hugs,
Pam
CONGRATS!!! That is so amazing!
Congratulations to you and your husband! I love all the snugly clothes from Kissy Kissy, and love the Mclaren and peg perego strollers. One item I never would have bought but am so glad I did, it's based on our pediatrician's recommendation(due to my son's reflux) is the Fisher Price newborn rock n play sleeper, it has been a godsend. Best wishes to you all!
Kate! I am overjoyed for you as I know you have been wanting and praying for this! Thank you so much for sharing the news with all of us.
Miss you!
CONGRATULATIONS, Kate and Ryan!! What a lucky baby yours will be, whether a boy or a girl. : )
Congratulations! Children are a blessing. I just had my 3rd and he is 10 weeks old. A lot of baby items have changed over the last 5 years, but 2 things I highly recommend are the Fisher Price Rock n' Play Sleeper and the Fisher Price Cradle Swing. I would not be able to survive without these 2 things.
Congratulations! So happy for you both!
Congrats! I posted a recent blog entry about a few of my favorite baby related things... see here:
http://weekendmom.blogspot.com/2011/01/these-are-few-of-my-favorite-baby.html
Jenn Coy
Jenn.e.Coy@gmail.com
http://weekendmom.blogspot.com/
Oh such wonderful news Kate. So very happy for you and Ryan.
I loved my bugaboo stroller.
Best advice is not to buy everything you think you need before hand, just a wait a little. I had so many things I never ever used.
Sharnel
xx
Congratulations to you and your family at this "little" blessing with an enormous amount of love! I will try to email you some of my baby favs and I can't wait to follow your journey into motherhood for the first time! It's an amazing trip! xoxo
Kate that is such FANTASTIC news!! I am so excited for you and the first time is such a wondrous experience to go through. All the changes to you and the fun things to design and decorate. Enjoy and embrace every moment.
Best,
Rebekah
Kate: I am absolutely over the moon for you! You are going to be an amazing mother and oh, the fun parties your little one is in store for. What an amazing blessing! Can't wait to see all the "reveals".
Oh how fabulous! By this time next year, you'll be celebrating your own Mother's Day! We can't wait to see what you have in store, the parties will be fabulous!
So many congratulations on the wonderful new addition! I would love to help with your Gender reveal or Baby shower, by sending cookies! Please let me know!
Sandy from www.FireflyConfections.com
So excited for you !! Lots of baby goodies in the magazine . I have vendors send me baby products to try all the time so once you find out what you are having I can send a few your way . My little baby will be turning 3 in July . She is our one and only - Such a blessing:) A love like you have never imagined . You are going to be an amazing momma! ((Hugs)) Melissa
Congratulations!!!
Many prayers for a healthy Mom and Baby.
KATE!!!!!!!! What wonderful news to read!!! Congratulations to you and Ryan, so very exciting!!!!! Sending you an email....
Love Jen
xxxxxxxx
Congratulations!! I am so excited for you. I wish you a blissfully uneventful pregnancy. Many hugs!
What wonderful news and a fabulous blessing to become parents. One of our very favorite and the softest little snuggly gowns and blankets are by "Kissy, Kissy" We love them and get bunches for our little ones! I'll be praying for a safe pregnancy and arrival for your sweet baby!
Congratulations Kate!!! Such exciting new indeed! I can't wait to hear more and "meet" your little one through photos!
Congratulations! I am a first time mom of a 4 month old girl {Elle Grace} and its truly the best gift God can give you! Enjoy the journey as it does really go by fast. I also had a gender revealing party( it was so much fun).
Some of my favorite baby products are:
Dr. Brown bottles
The Boon Grass Drying Rack
Swaddling blankest by A and A (they have already been mentioned)
LOVE, LOVE my bugaboo Cameleon (it was worth the money)
and Sophie the giraffe. My baby girls loves her Sophie.
Again, congrats and I love all the inspiration you provide to your readers so I can not wait to see how your gender party, baby shower and nursery turn out!
-Heidi
www.hjrcherryblossoms.blogspot.com
Congratulations!
As above Fisher Price Newborn Rock n Play sleeper is brilliant. It doesn't look very exciting, but it was my best friend for the first three months!
www.babymine.net posts some beautiful and unique ideas for babies; very stylish.
For basic baby advice babycenter.com and parenting.com are great.
I also agree with kissy kissy for layette; gorgeous cotton and washes extremely well which is so important with newborn 'accidents'!
UPPABaby Vista stroller - I LOVE mine.
Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy.
That is so wonderful! You are so blessed! Congratulations and God Bless!!!! Wendy
Congratulations Kate!
I am so happy for you both!!
Not only you'll be great parents, but being such a wonderful, caring, sweet person as you are, your baby will be a very lucky one!
Love and blessings your way...
Claudia
Congratulations Kate! There is nothing in the world like the excitement of a first pregnancy, that first celebration of the start of a family, wow. Enjoy it for it is amazing. There are so many things I could recommend, but what mom and baby need most (and was always my favorite part of parenthood) is love and touch, you know hugs, snuggles and kisses :). Many congratulations to you!
Congratulations Kate! It's such wonderful news. So very happy for you and your husband.
So excited for you, Kate! Congratulations! :) Recommendation ...well, I loved my Pali crib...still love my Pali crib--plan to keep for the grandchildren it was so beautiful.
Kate! What amazing news. Oh the joys of this exciting time. Children are a gift from God, a true Blessing. Lifting you and your growing family up in prayer. Smiles~ Bri
"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward."
Psalm 127:3
Kate! I'm echoing everyone's sentiments... couldn't be happier for you! Motherhood is a joy in so many ways. I'm sure you'll be getting loads of tips and good advice from others but since I just went through it last year, feel free to let me know if you have any questions at all. xoxo Congratulations!
Congrats!!!! I am so happy for you...as far as advice goes...I would suggest you wait til you know the sex to start decorating or if you do not want to know unisex...we used baby mini Mickie and Mini...and unisex colored clothes...Also my suggestion on cribs is go with a convertible one...crib to bed...one last thing do not load up on a certain size clothes...they do not stay one size very long...
Congratulations Kate! All the best to you and Ryan on this wonderful journey! This is truly a blessing!
Check out these favorites from another blogger: http://emilypeytoncook.typepad.com/emilypeytoncook/2009/02/baby-tested-mama-approved.html
AAAAH!!!! Congratulations!!!!!!! I'm so excited for you!!!!!
Oh Kate. My heart just melted when I read this. So So SO sweet (and so excited for you).
Congratulations Kate! You are at the beginning of one exciting, exhausting but unforgettable journey!
I'd have to agree with Christy M. The Aden & Anais wraps are huge, look gorgeous and were perfect for so many things. In fact, I love them so much, I haven't managed to part with them.
Pauline x
May I add my prayers to all the sweet wishes posted? Blessings on you as soon-to-be parents, and on your most precious little one!
Congratulations Kate!! I am SO happy for you and your husband. I just know you will have the most adorable (and stylish!) baby! :)
Such lovely news Kate - congratulations to both you and Ryan - such a wonderful and special time and I send my love, prayers and best wishes for a stress free pregnancy and safe arrival of your little one. As Sharnel said - don't buy too much too soon as you don't need half of what you think you will. Leanne x
I'm so excited for you and your hubby Kate! What a fabulous blessing! Yay!
How exciting!! Congratulations, I wish you and Ryan every blessing. It is a wonderful time and I'm sure your going to enjoy every moment of it!!
Congratulations sweet Kate! Being a mom is the most rewarding thing you can do! Life only gets better!! I pray your experience will be all that you hope!
With love,
Jill
Congratulations to you, your husband and entire family -- what a precious time in your life -- one that I have just begun to enjoy myself. Being a mom is the best job I have ever had and the most love I have ever felt. I know you will be amazing -- enjoy your pregnancy, that is a lot of fun too!!! xoxoxo
Congratulations Kate!! I am so happy for you and your husband. Motherhood is the most amazing journey! There are so many exciting things in store for you and Ryan...many blessings to your family!!
Congratulations Kate! What wonderful news :)
Congratulations!!!
The Wubbanub and Miracle Blanket are a must in our house.
I can't wait to hear more about the gender reveal party!
Kate
Such exciting news Kate! Looking forward to following your journey into motherhood :-)
I am so excited for you both..I wish I could start all over again .The best time of your life.Enjoy every moment!!!
So, thrilled for you and Ryan - such FANTASTIC news. You will be a superior mom! very best wishes for a stress free pregnancy and birth - can't wait to find out what it is! Go the Bugaboo - I bought the Chameleon when I had my first and I'm still using it with my second and it looks brand new - you can take all the covers off to wash - it's a fantastic pram. Take care of yourself! - big hugs, Kirsten XX
Congratulations! I'm so excited for you!
My two must have items are: A good stroller. Some wonderful ones have already been mentioned. I have a Phil and Teds and love it. It's great if you plan on having more than one child as there is a second seat attachment, which I got long before #2 was even on her way and used it to hold all my shopping bags. :)
And if you are nursing, a boomerang shaped nursing pillow (Jolly Jumper makes one). These are not to be confused with the C-shaped "babysitter" style as those are the worst for breastfeeding. But I couldn't live without my nursing pillow the first few months. It was what made the difference for me. I borrowed it for my first one and made sure I had it for my second. And it's good to sleep with when you're pregnant and huge and just need some extra tummy support.
And just a little extra tip, set aside money for a shopping trip for you a couple of months after the baby is born. For that awkward stage where neither your maternity nor pre-pregnancy clothes fit. If you set aside the money for this purpose beforehand you don't feel bad buying a wardrobe for such an in between stage.
Congratulations to you both!!! You truly are so blessed. Motherhood is the best experience of my life as I know it will be for you too. I am ecstatic for you.
Many Blessings and love,
Andrea
For Sleeping:
My daughter slept in this swing for 3-4 months.
http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Cradle-Swing-Little/dp/B0018Z6910/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1304702355&sr=8-1
Most receiving blankets are too small. This one saved my life as my daughter was a Houdini and could escape from the traditional receiving blankets. I had 4 of these.
http://www.amazon.com/SwaddleDesigns-Ultimate-Receiving-Blanket-Circles/dp/B000GG1ML4/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1304702387&sr=1-1
I liked having a traditional baby monitor in addition to this one. It’s great to be able to see what’s going on without having to open the door and risk waking her up. You can use it for years.
http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Infant-Handheld-Monitor-Screen/dp/B001NAATW0/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1304702434&sr=1-1
For Travel:
I had a Graco Snugride 35 and this “snap and go” stroller was great. You don’t have to disturb the baby. You can pull her our seat and all and snap it into the stroller and go.
http://www.amazon.com/Graco-SnugRider-Infant-Stroller-Frame/dp/B0007KMUH4/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1304702454&sr=1-1
This was my second diaper bag. I’m a huge fan of Ju Ju Be. And I got this backpack version because it allowed me to carry the baby hands free.
http://www.amazon.com/Ju-Be-Packabe-Diaper-Silver/dp/B00196PIZQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1304702505&sr=1-1
Finally, everyone seems to get the Bob stroller. All my friends have it, and it’s great but I think the Baby Jogger City Elite is better. It looks nicer my favorite features include a one handed collapse feature, it is really easy to maneuver (we use it a lot at Disneyland, Sea World, anywhere we’re walking a lot) and the seat lays completely flat. So the baby can nap or I often use it to change diapers.
http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Jogger-Elite-Single-Stroller/dp/B00318CL4G/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1304702409&sr=1-1
For Eating out and Shopping:
I had several versions and this on is by far the best. It has a great fit, best coverage and most comfortable. Any my favorite, I can put I on the shopping cart one handed!
http://www.amazon.com/Buggy-Bagg-Elite-Shopping-Cover/dp/B004BDNKCM/ref=sr_1_3?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1304702886&sr=1-3
I was tired of cleaning dirty high chairs and found that brining my own worked the best. I love it. I can put my own placemat down on the table and hook the chair over it. The baby can’t pull the placemat off, she’s in her own clean comfortable chair and I always have a place for her to sit.
http://www.amazon.com/Chicco-TravelSeat-Hook-Chair-Adventure/dp/B000YFY5U2/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1304702958&sr=1-2
Enjoy! These were my favorite life savers! My daughter turned one yesterday! So this is fresh new advice from a first time mom who was rescued by some fabulous products.
COngratulations!!! We are expecting #3 this fall and over the past 4.5 years I have learned to love the following:
-moby wrap (baby carrier)
-bum genius diapers or prefolds and thirsties covers (if you are doing cloth)
-avent pacifiers
-bebe au lait nursing covers
-target nursing tanks
-shutterfly photobooks for all of those photos of baby!!
-carters onsies
-o and a tip too...buy an infant carrier (carseat) for its reviews and make sure you carry it around empty first because if you add the 15 pound baby those things get HEAVY! I learned the hard way buying for the pattern I wanted!!
Kate - Congrats! Here is a list I made when our Nora was about four months old so I wouldn't forget which items were necessities and which were a waste! Feel free to email me at avalex@gmail.com if you'd like specific product recommendations. Best wishes, Allison (Alex) Carroll
I’m Not Sure We Would Have Survived Without…
•Cloth diapers/burp cloths •Newborn-sized bibs •Papasan/cradle swing •SwaddleMe •Graco Stroller Frame •Cozy Infant Travel Bed •Baby Bjorn Synergy •Nose Frida •Arctic BundleMe •Kolcraft Contours Stroller •High chair •Nursing cover •Aquaphor Lotion •Medela Hand pump •Sheet Savers
I’m Glad We Had…
•Cradle •Adjustable Umbrella Stroller •Johnny Jump Up •Exersaucer •Plastic bib •Thin/soft washcloths for wiping faces •Boppy •Changing pad liners
We Could Have Survived Without…
•Pack n Play •Bouncer •Baby towels and washcloths •Sling carrier •Play gym
Weren’t Worth It…
•Bumbo •Baby bathtub •Tummy time mat
Hi Kate! Congrats on the baby, so exciting!! I am expecting this fall too. I wanted to let you know that I finally had the chance to use the toadstool trio that I won from you several months ago; here is the link to the party. http://theseamanfamilyblog.blogspot.com/2011/05/tutus-and-toadstools-1st-birthday-party.html
Thanks so much for the opportunity and for being such an inspiration!
Aubree
This is the very best news. I am so very excited for you. Congratulations!
Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! I'm so so so happy for you!!!
I love the Bumbo chair and Beckett loves his Sophie The Giraffe. Get it for sure.
YAY!
Congratulations!
xoxo,
Becca
Kate,
I am so happy for you and your husband. This is exciting news!
Some of the best things I did was take some time to read a few good books (aside from lots of prayer and continued study in the Bible):
Mitten Strings for God:Reflections for Mothers in a Hurry
The Baby Whisperer by Tracy Hogg
and I also hope to read:
The Five Love Languages Children by Gary Chapman
Enjoy every.single.moment of this blessed journey.
Mandy
Congratulations... how exciting! Here are a few of my favorite things :)
I LOVE my Peg Perego stroller/carrier combo. My stroller is a full size stroller that folds down to about the size of an umbrella stroller!
I also couldn't live without my Baby Bjorn... it's the only way I could get stuff done when both my boys were little.
Oh and a jumparoo is a WAHM's best friend!
My favorite website for info and such was www.babycenter.com... I loved watching the growth of my baby week by week during my pregnancy!
Good luck to you and God Bless you over the next few months!!
Jodie {Party NV}
Many, many congrats to you Kate! My baby is now 4...you will have so many blessings over the years - how exciting! I have two favorite products - the first being the book "Happiest Baby on the Block"...there's a book and a video in case you don't have time to read the book. It's by Dr. Harvey Karp. The other thing, because of the book is a real swaddle - not just swaddling in a blanket - a real one...wrap the baby up really tight..everyone will be happy! Good luck to you!
Congrats! I love stopping by to see your posts, but have never commented. As a relatively new mom, I love love love Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bags. They're all you will ever want to use. Some are shoulder bags with the option of converting to backpack - those are my favorites.
Congratulations... a blessing indeed!
Congratulations, Kate! What a sweet and wonderful time in your life! xoxo
Hi Kate - Love your style!
Is the Layla Grace giveaway still available for your party?
I wanted to feature it on my blog (as well as your Mystical Mermaid party photos), but didn't know where it was on Layla's site and if it was still happening...
Your parties are gorgeous!!!!
Linda Landers (yes, Landers!!! :o)
Originally from Massachusetts...now South Florida
Looking forward to finding out the gender:) Congrats on such special news!
Sophie the Giraffe is a great first toy:
http://www.sophiegiraffeusa.com/story.html
Best Wishes on Your Expecting!
I've posted your Mystical Mermaid party on my blog and my viewers love it! I can imagine the parties your Little One will have!!!!
Again, good health and best wishes,
Linda (aka Beachside Cottage)
Congrats! I have just found you through a blog of a blog of a blog and your site is fantastic! What wonderful news! Our son is 15 months old and we found there were a few things we could not live without: boppy lounger (not just the feeder pillow which is also great, but this one is like a little pillow bed great to set a sleeping little one on right next to you), bouncy chair, some sort of seated activity gym, we had a walker I know that it is not recommended due to stairs but we used ours exclusively downstairs and let me tell you, it meant I could get dinner made and load the laundry ;) and finally the book sleep easy solution. A must!
Have a wonderful time, every moment is so exciting!!
Congrats! Can't wait to see all the amazing parties in your future! Prayers for a wonderful pregnancy.
Congratulations! Burts Bees diaper ointment... I swear by the stuff!
Congratulations! That's so wonderful and exciting! I'm sure that gender reveal party is going to be great! I can't wait to see what you plan for it!
Definitely invest in a nap nanny. It's like a pillow cradle, and great for when you need to put them down for a minute, so comfy. I also recommend the rock-a-bye music, so baby can hear xylophone music of today's greats like Coldplay and the Beattles.
Congratulations Kate and family! Check out the Chico travel system {wonderful car seat and stroller}! We have it in the gender-neutral green color! Very chic and one of the safest car seats on the market! I wouldn't have any other travel system! LOVE it!
Congratulations - Sorry I'm a little late leaving advice but I felt like I really wanted to give you some advice seeing as I'm just coming up on my one year anniversary of being a mom :) Some things we LOVED: Moby wrap, Ergo carrier, Britax car seat, Miracle swaddle blanket (it really is a miracle when they start squirming but still want to be swaddled), Carter's onsies - perfect size and so soft, frame stroller for your infant carrier if you are planning on driving to do errands a lot, sound machine, bouncy seat, lots of wooden toys!
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