Packing Our Hospital Bags

In just 2 days, we will be 37 weeks pregnant (which some consider "full term") and I am kicking it into high gear to make sure we are ready for Mr. C whenever he decides to make his appearance! The emotions I feel are so wide ranging, it's insane.  Anxiety, excitement, worry, nervousness, happiness, and occasionally just contentment in being hugely pregnant (I wish I felt that one a little more!)  We are so blessed to have this sweet baby in our lives and one thing I know for certain is that we can't wait to meet him for the first time and whisper in his tiny little ears how much we love him. I did a lot of research on what to bring to the hospital (as well as what not to bring).  I read blog after blog about what first time mothers packed as well as mother's who were going for their sixth or seventh times!  I compiled a list of the most common items that mother's bring for themselves, their partners, and their babies as well as a few extra items. (I realize each mother is different and will need/want different items, this is just what items I thought were most popularly talked about).  I am adding a few things to my personal list such as our birthing ball (exercise ball) and lavender essential oils.

The pink colored items are items that *most* hospitals provide so it is just a matter of personal preference if you want to bring your own or not.  I didn't include diapers or wipes on my diaper bag list because the hospital will definitely provide as many of those as you need during your stay (plus it's a diaper bag, so you probably already have a few diapers in there anyway). Every single blog that I read highly recommended using those free items in the hospital (and taking everything home that they will allow!) But if you plan on cloth diapering, then obviously you will need to bring your own diapers/wipes.

  Above are the bags I packed for Kolby and myself (I forgot to get a good picture of the diaper bag!)  P.S. - Target has nursing bras and tank tops and SUPER soft pajamas, robes, and socks for reasonable prices. xo -

Mini Babymoon

I cannot believe that there are only 6 weeks left of our little Sorenson family consisting of just the two of us! It seems so surreal to me.   This is why Kolby and I both thought it would be a perfect idea to take a quick day trip to NYC to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, eat our little hearts out, and just relax together. Our hotel, The Hyatt Regency Jersey City On The Hudson,  was incredible and the view was to die for.  We sat on the couch probably for hours just watching the lights of the city across the Hudson.   We enjoyed the Christmas displays on 5th avenue, the hustle and bustle of the city at Christmas time, of course some truffles from the Lindt store, and a yummy yummy dinner. What a perfect little vacation to get us in the Christmas spirit and to celebrate our last few weekends together by ourselves. It was magical!

Bonus funny story... As I'm sure a lot of you witnessed, there was a HUGE winter storm blanketing pretty much the entire country this past weekend and Kolby and I knew that on our drive back to Baltimore from New York we would encounter some snow and ice so we decided to leave early.   Well... right outside of Philidelphia the storm hit immediately and cars were sliding off the road left and right, the visibility was little to none, and I was PANICKING! I have had anxiety about winter driving conditions ever since I had a scare last year in Utah and now that I'm pregnant, it made my anxiety multiply! I cried, literally. My sweet husband got us a hotel room at the nearest little place that we could find, I still have no idea what the town was called!  We will always remember our snowed in night at the Travelodge and our ordered-in Italian food, movies, and naps. I wouldn't have changed a thing!

2013 Winter Fashion Must-Haves

I am a big believer in building up your basic wardrobe with nice items (ie: a gorgeous pair of flats, the perfect white tee shirt, skinny jeans that fit like a glove, etc.)  but when it comes to keeping up with the trends, who has the money to spend an arm and a leg on an item that may or may not be worn for more than a few months?  No thanks!

I have created a list of the top 10 trending items that I am lusting after this winter, and guess what?  They all can be found for under $50 and can be mixed and matched with your basic wardrobe items to make the perfect trendy winter outfit.

1. Polka Dot Sweater (1) (2) (3)

2. Bejeweled Bib Necklace (1) (2) (3)

3. Long Sleeve Faux Fur Coat (1) (2) (3)

4.  Loose Knit Sweater (1) (2) (3)

5. Jewel Tone A-Line Midi Skirt (1) (2) (3)

6. Plaid Button-Up Shirt (1) (2) (3)

7. Liquid Look Pencil Skirt (1) (2) (3)

8. Knee High Black Heeled Boots (1) (2) (3)

9. Army Parka (1) (2) (3)

10. Animal Print Clutch (1) (2) (3)

Our Christmas Home 2013

I am excited to share with you a few photos of our Christmas home this year. My mother always made our home beautiful and cozy for Christmas each year with beautifully decorated trees, stockings hung above the fireplace, golden nativity scenes, and pine garland everywhere.  I loved (and still love) the way it makes me feel to walk into a happy holiday home and so I vowed to make sure that my family has the same feeling each year.   Enjoy!

 Merry Christmas everyone!  

Maternity Shoot

Kolby and I are lucky enough to have a great friend who is getting married March 2014, and lucky for us (and him), his fiance is an incredible photographer! She offered to do a maternity shoot for us while we were visiting Utah for Thanksgiving and she did an incredible job. Here are a few favorites.

Mila F Photography can be found here on Facebook.