We made it! To say this pregnancy flew by it's an understatement. I can't believe how quickly time goes by when you are excited about an arrival.  I am both grateful to my body and relieved to soon give birth and not experience the aches that have taken over these last few weeks. We cannot wait to welcome our darling boy who's coming to complete our family. 

Hope to share the happy news with you soon. Until then, stay safe and have a wonderful end to your week. 

xx, Nicole 

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What I Packed In My Hospital Bag

As a Type A person, planning ahead is my absolute jam.  I've had my hospital bag packed since week 32 of this pregnancy. No sign of delivery any time soon {I have a scheduled C-Section} but I still wanted to be prepared just in case. 

This is my second time around packing this bag so I learned a few things I need to leave behind and others to make sure I bring to the hospital with me. My packing list is divided into four different sections: 

Mama - Items I will need to make my recovery easier. 

Room - Making our stay more comfortable by adding a few things to my bag. 

Baby - They need very little, but it's all so important. 

Extras - Not necessary but we are including this time around. 

My weekender bag is from Minnow Swim and super roomy. 

Mama

Cotton Robe - One that is not too thick {I remember sweating and being super hot for days after my first baby was born} but needing a robe all day to make it easier to breastfeed. Bringing my new LAKE Pajamas stripe robe that is super soft. 

Slip-On Slippers - Easiest shoe to wear during your hospital stay. You'll need it to walk those hallways to help you speed your recovery. 

Plastic Flip Flops - You'll want to shower and preferably NOT touch that floor. 

Nursing Bra - I packed one for each day. I prefer the sleeping ones for hospital stays. Feels like you're not wearing anything. 

Pajamas - After the fresh shower I mentioned above there is nothing like soft clean pajamas you brought from home. 

Comfy Underwear - Packing my biggest cotton panties since I'll be swollen and looking pregnant during my stay {and a few days after}. 

Toiletries - I bring everything with me, from shampoo, conditioner and body wash to skin care. I will also bring a bit of make up and hair ties; and the usual toothbrush, deodorant, chapstick, etc. 

Going Home Outfit - This this around I am packing maternity clothes still {learned my lesson last time}. Comfortable joggers, a tank top and soft cardigan. 

Reusable Nursing Pads - Perfect for keeping me dry.

Room

IPad and Charger - Need it to update insurance claims, check email, social media, entertainment etc. It also doubles as a sound machine at night. 

IPhone and Long Charger - Always keep this on my bedside table, the long charging cable is a MUST since you'll be in bed most of the time. 

Snacks - We did a Trader Joe's run this morning. Hospitals do have cafeterias and vending machines but there's nothing like having your favorites available in the room. We are bringing popcorn, chips, pretzels, trail mix, granola bars, chocolate, cookies and dried fruit. 

Large Yeti Cup- I remember drinking SO MUCH WATER during my stay and being really annoyed that it would warm up quickly. This time I am bringing my trusted Yeti cup to ensure it stays cool as long as possible. 

Baby

Carseat - Number one thing on the list. Base should be installed in your car and ready to go. 

Going Home Outfit - Bring something weather appropriate. I packed two different beanies this time, one small and one that is a bit bigger.

Blanket - We are having a winter baby and need to make sure he's warm on his way home. 

Baby Book - Bringing a baby book to get a set of hand and footprints done in the delivery room. 

Extras

Big Sister Basket - We created a little basket for Eloise that will be given to her from the baby. Can't wait to see her little face!

Breast Pump - Bringing it to the hospital to make sure we learn how to use the new model I got this time around. 

And that is pretty much all we packed. Hoping for a short hospital stay so I can come home and enjoy my babies in my cozy home. 

Until next time!

xx, Nicole 

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Must-Haves For Baby Number Two

Stroller // Blanket // Bunny // Bottles // Dock-A-Tot

Bath Caddy // Shampoo // Pacifiers // Muslin Blankets 

One of the many joys of having a second baby is being far more relaxed while making preparations. We were so lucky to get everything we needed for Eloise before she was born so we didn't have to buy much this time around. I did make a few purchases because I wanted some updated items for our baby. While there is nothing wrong with boys wearing/using pink, I was really looking forward to getting lots of blue in since it's one of my favorite colors. So here's some of the things we purchased:

1. Uppa Baby Vista 2 Double Stroller in Declan {Oatmeal Color}

This was one of the first purchases we made. I wanted a double stroller that was somewhat light. When Eloise was born I bought the Bugaboo Donkey {which is beautiful by the way} but could not handle the weight so I ended up getting rid of it. This time around I did a lot of research and decided on the Uppa Baby. So far it has been great! Love the height of the stroller and all the storage space. Looking forward to using it as a double once baby arrives. 

2. Little Giraffe Luxe Baby Blanket
Found this brand at Nordstrom while shopping for a travel blanket for Eloise. The size and weight are PERFECT. They are so warm and soft and I feel like they get better with each wash. We got the dusty pink color for Eloise and the Cornflower Blue for baby. Would make a great holiday gift too!

4. Avent Natural Baby Bottle Blue

We used Avent for Eloise and loved them. So easy to clean and store and loved the different sizes and nipples they had available. We added some blue bottles to our stash just for fun. 

5. Dock-A-Tot Cover
This was easily one of our most used baby items. We had Eloise in it until she could no longer fit. It was her favorite spot to nap. I wanted an updated cover and found this gorgeous blue floral from their collaboration with Morris & Co. I loved every print they had and wish I could get them all.

6. Nursery Caddy Tote
We will be doing sink baths for the foreseeable future so this caddy is very handy in keeping things organized and accessible.

 
7. Noodle & Boo Newborn Hair & Body Wash
Love the smell of Noodle & Boo, it's probably my favorite shampoo brand. Could not help myself and had to get a couple bottles for baby.

8. Bibs Baby Pacifier
This brand has the best colors and sizes for pacifiers. Eloise was not a huge fan so I am hoping baby boy will actually like them so I can get all of the colors {mom nerd-alert, I know haha}.

9. Aden + Anais Swaddle Blankets
We love swaddle blankets! Added a few to our collections with these adorable animal prints that are both masculine and sweet at the same time.

Aside from boy clothing this is pretty much all we have gotten for the baby. I can't believe we are only a couple weeks away!

Stay tuned for a few more blog posts before I go away for a few weeks to attend to my newborn.

All the best,
N. 

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The Nines by HATCH at Target

Top // Pants // Sneakers // Sunglasses

Hatch Collection has been on my radar since before I got pregnant with Eloise. I actually collaborated with them back in 2018 {seen here} and got this navy jumpsuit that I wore all the time, including my first pregnancy {here}. I invested in a few pieces during my first pregnancy because I love the timeless style so much. I was VERY excited when I learned they would be doing a line with Target and have purchased a few items since. Their Fall 2021 Collection is just LOVELY and I was able to partner up with them again to showcase a couple looks. 

First up is this lovely raspberry leopard set, the minute I saw it I knew I would be wearing it non-stop. On these last few weeks of pregnancy all I want is comfort. The terry fabric is great because it's not heavy and hot {which is my constant state during third trimester}. I plan on wearing this on a road trip I have coming up and post-partum as well. The color and print is trendy without being overwhelming and the fit is great! Not too loose that it would make me look bigger and not so tight where I would feel constricted. I am wearing a size Small and would say runs TTS. 

Paired it with my super comfortable Gola Glitter Sneakers and Ray Bans for an easy weekend look. 

*The sweatshirt is not available on the Target website yet but I will update the link as soon as is up. 

xx, 

Nicole

Thank you HATCH The Nines for partnering up for this post. 

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A Dressier Fall Outfit

Dress // Sandals // Sunglasses // Earrings // Lipstick 

Finding a pretty and comfortable maternity dress in a dressier style is no easy task so I was very excited when I discovered Isabella Oliver; a British ethical brand that focuses on being sustainable. I partnered up with them to show you a few styles over the next few weeks and this navy dress is one of my favorite ones. I know I'll be wearing it post partum {hello buttons for breastfeeding!} and beyond. I love the front tie because it allows me to adjust the fit of dress as needed. It is machine washable and fits true to size. Very light material that is perfect for warm fall days and running around town with my toddler. Paired it here with my gingham sandals for a pop of color on my outfit. Can't wait to show you how I style it this winter once my baby is born. 

xx, 

Nicole

*Thank you Isabella Oliver for sponsoring this post. 

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My Ideal Travel Outfit

Top // Pants // Backpack // Earrings

Traveling while pregnant and with an active toddler is a bit of a challenge. I am currently working on a post focused on tips to making traveling with a small child a bit easier; but for today let’s focus on mom’s outfit. I’ve always been a fan of wearing pants and closed toes shoes when going through an airport, the more covered I am the better I feel {specially during the pandemic}. I find airports and airplanes very chilly so I typically dress in layers. During summer I keep it light with a cotton jacket -the like Madewell one I am wearing on this post- or a thin cardigan. 

Finding comfortable and cute maternity pants is not easy so I was very excited when I found these green linen pants from Pea In The Pod. They fit comfortably under the belly and stay put no matter how much I move or sit. The t-shirt is by Splendid and the length is perfect for a growing belly.  The backpack is by Tory Burch and it’s the perfect addition to any traveling outfit. It fits SO MUCH and functions as my purse and diaper bag. It is nylon which makes it easily wipeable when the inevitable spill happens. This combo of pants, top, layer and big bag is my typical go-to when I travel. It allows me to move freely while keeping my body temperature in check {and looking presentable}. 

Happy first week of fall! Can’t wait to share a few more maternity outfits before the baby arrives. Currently 31 weeks and counting!

xx, Nicole

*Thank you Pea In The Pod for sponsoring this post. 

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Something Navy During My 3rd Trimester

Jumpsuit // Earrings // Sandals {similar}

As weeks go by and I'm getting heavier I prioritize comfort on the way I dress. When Pea In The Pod reached out about doing a partnership I was very excited when I saw this sweat-pant onesie as part of their selection. It is such an easy outfit and I love I can style it with sandals or sneakers and a cardigan (as seen below during my trip to California earlier this month). Fits true to size and the adorable flower print on the navy background it's perfect for Fall...now if only the weather would cooperate! 

Only 10 more weeks of pregnancy's for me, I'm officially 30 weeks today! Can't wait to show you a few more bump-friendly outfits before it's over. 

Much love from Austin, 

N. 

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Hatch Collection Dress: One Of My Top Maternity Brands

Dress // Shoes // Sunglasses // Earrings

Hatch Collection is one of those brands that I started to follow long before I became pregnant with my first baby. I love their signature styles of easy flowing dresses and comfortable jumpsuits. I purchased 3 or 4 pieces while pregnant with Eloise and wore them well into my post-partum days. I knew that we wanted to have a second baby so I continued to add a few more items to my wardrobe. This dress is one of those purchases, I got it last summer and I find myself wearing it over and over with espadrilles, sneakers and sandals. As per usual with HATCH, the dress runs true to size and it's machine washable. This will easily transition into Fall once Austin gets cooler {someday!} with suede booties and a chunky cardigan. 

Earlier this week they released their Fall 2021 Collection and there's a few items I'm loving: this dress, this sweater and this amazing set. I want it all! I have been also eyeing this dress for the longest time;  perfect 4th trimester piece. I'll be wearing it long after I am done having babies. 

Until next time!

N. 

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Our Family Is Growing!

Sunglasses // Dress // Earrings // Espadrilles

What a wonderful year 2021 is turning out to be :) We are having our second baby in November! We are extremely excited and happy for the upcoming arrival of this little bundle. The road to this pregnancy was a very bumpy one, we found ourselves in situations we never thought we would have to deal with; making us feel extra grateful for this baby. 

Currently 19 weeks and counting, baby is due the day before Thanksgiving. It's going to be a wonderful holiday season!

You might have noticed my absence from the blog and social media overall. As with Eloise, the first trimester was brutal. I was extremely sleepy, tired and at times sick...add a very active toddler to the mix and and we ended up with a VERY rough few weeks. Second trimester has been a drastic change, I have energy and feel so much better aside from occasional back pain. 

I look forward to continue to share all things fashion, baby, family and travel in the coming months. We have a few trips planned this summer that I'm super excited about. We booked our babymoon to Cancun and our summer family vacation to Colorado. Cannot wait to get out of this heat for a few days!

Until next time, 

Nicole

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