If you follow along on YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook, you likely already knew this news was coming. If you don’t, I’d like to apologize that, somehow, the past 9 months just got away from me.
Somehow I never quite found the time to mention on the blog that we had a very important new addition arriving. Sorry about that! Today I’d I’d like you to meet someone very special:
I’d like to introduce Ella Grace Merritt 💕
My third child (and first girl!), arrived on June 13th. She’s the perfect, sweetest new addition to our family and we truly couldn’t be happier.
While we’re not even a full month in yet, so far it’s proven true what everyone’s told me and baby #3 has been the easiest. We’re all sleeping better than I could’ve hoped, she’s fit perfectly into the family, and I’m feeling great.
Her brothers are obsessed; Luke wants to hold her all the time and Rhett is always saying “I love the baby sister!!”. Luke is disappointed that we didn’t name her his suggested name (“Name her ‘Heart’, because I love her”) but he is dealing with it well 🥹.
My heart is just so full.
Recipes and videos will continue pretty much as normal as I did what I could to plan ahead for a mini maternity leave. I have already found my way back into the kitchen (with the help of my sister) and have been dabbling with some new recipes, but quite casually.
The boys and I have also been enjoying this time “off” baking together just for fun, making lots of baked goods like sourdough brownies and chocolate granola (in which they mostly just eat the raw ingredients).
A Few of my Favorite Baby Things
This time around I had a better idea of things that I do and don’t need for a newborn. I wanted to share a few of my favorites for anyone who might also be due sometime soon.
- This baby carrier. I’ve tried a lot of carriers, including wraps in the past. I discovered this one after I had Rhett and fell in love. It’s so much easier than a classic wrap and he basically lived in this thing for his first year. I had a heavier cotton one for Rhett, but since Ella is a summer baby and I like walking outside with her, I went with this lighter version. This is my favorite baby item, it’s so nice to tuck her into it and carry her with me but still have my hands free!
- Burp cloths. I like these muslin ones and these Burt’s Bees ones. I keep a lot on hand because we go through so many every day. So. Many.
- Stanley tumbler. OK, I never understood the hype with these but Zach packed one in my hospital bag and I get it now. Holds so much icy cold water (which I needed during delivery and the hospital stay and now with nursing) and keeps it cold. It’s been my constant companion.
- Baby seat. I have a few of these strategically placed around the house (like in the bathroom!). Sometimes you just need to be able to set baby down, so having a few places where I can easily, safely set her down to have my hands free for a second has been great. Worth noting, these aren’t for sleep.
- Knotted gowns. So easy for nighttime diaper changes. Ella sleeps in a onesie (I love the Honest brand onesies) and knotted gown every night.
- This little light. Perfect for nighttime feedings. There’s no fumbling for switches, just flip it over and it turns on, flip it again and it turns off.
This time around has so far been the smoothest adjustment and I’m hoping it stays that way. I’ll be fully back into the swing of things soon, but right now I’m just soaking up all the newborn snuggles that I can.
Thanks for letting me share our sweet new addition with you, and stay tuned for more new recipes coming soon. 💕
Nicole Curnow
She’s absolutely precious! Enjoy every moment x
Yoselin
eeeeeeeeeeee!!!!! SO CUTE!!!!! Congratulations!!! 3rd time’s the charm 😂 love baby Ella’s pics.💕
Martha
Many blessings for you and your sweet family ♥️Enjoy it to the max.
Valerie
Congratulations!!! She is so precious!!! My eldest child and only sweet girl sends her congratulations, too!
Cynthia
she’s absolutely adorable 🤩
Kimberly Brumfield
Absolutely precious! all 3 of them so happy for the family on this new addition! Lord bless you💝
Linda Chaplain
Wow!She is absolutely beautiful. I have followed you for a long time now and I’m so happy for you.They grow up so fast.My eldest got married recently and I made a three tier wedding cake from all of your cakes including all the fillings.The cake went down a treat but going back to children they grow up so fast so cakes can wait and enjoy the time with your lovely family.Congratulations xx
Nicole Steffler
congratulations 🎉 so happy for you and your family!
Heather Lewis
Absolutely gorgeous. Thank you so much for sharing your precious little one! May the Lord keep you in his grace, mercies, and protection. ❤️
Passion Clemons
AWW She is so cute You never told me you were pregnant could’ve made a post But that’s okay at least we know now. No wonder why you haven’t been posting videos I understand completely You were going on your Maternity leave and that was the reason. Love the blanket I bet your husband is really happy about the baby So am I. I’m glad that the kids are enjoying their new baby sister, Ella Grace is a 100% a great name for her I’m so proud of you.
Chris
Congratulations!! I had 2 boys, then a girl, then another boy. I was glad I had that 1 girl but I’ve got to say boys are a lot of fun!!
Luanda T Reiffer
OMG, Sam, she’s beautiful you finally got your little girl you are complete now I wish you all the best. A little girl love hit a little differently congratulations Sam and I’m happy that you and your baby made it through safely
Denise
Congratulations! Ella is beautiful. I love the photo of Ella and her brothers. It is priceless.
Tracey Stewart
I wholeheartedly agree with Heather Lewis’ prayer and good will wishes for you and your precious family. Kids grow up so fast. Enjoy every single moment while you can. Thank you for sharing photos of your beautiful family!
Denise
Congratulations! Ella Grace is a beautiful little gift. Keep cherishing every moment.
Thanks for sharing your favorite baby items. With a baby shower coming up soon that I need to purchase a gift for, this is very helpful!
Betty G
Sam, Ella is a beautiful baby girl. Also, we share the same birthday.
Cheng
Congratulations. What a beautiful bundle of joy. ❤️
Cindy Helmer
She’s absolutely beautiful. Congratulations to you and your family. ❤️
Kandi
Ok, I have to say it. Many children have 2 middle names. I would NOT have been able to deny that sweet child the “Heart” thing. I can promise you her name would have been Ella Grace Heart Merritt and wouldn’t care who didn’t like or understand it! lol I’d have given that sweet child his way just for saying that! And what a story she’d have when asked! She’s beautiful! 😍 Congrats!
Leslie
Congratulations! What sweet little thing. Be sure to take your time and just enjoy being a Mama.
God bless you and your family.🙏
Sandy Matza
GOD Bless Her She’s Beautiful. Congratulations. She’s Precious , So We Have A New Little Baker In The Family. Her Brothers Will Make Sure Dhes Very Well Protected With 2 Big Brothers. 🙏🙋♀️👼🫶🙌.
Carol
Thank you for sharing. what a beautiful baby girl. You have the cutest children.
Susan Polchinski
May God continue to bless you all ! Welcome Ella!
💜😘
Dallas
Congratulations! Welcome to baby Ella:D I hope you and your family are doing well and I’m wishing you all the best!
Judy Corbutt
omg she’s precious and i love her name. Your 2 boys are so sweet. Many blessings to you and your family and thank you for sharing this wonderful part of your life
Luz
Congratulations to all of you at home for a beautiful and blessed new member ❤️ love your recipes!!
Beth L Van Prooyen
She is beautiful! God is so good and it is so nice seeing how much your boys love her! the boys in school won’t have a chance getting close to her without her brothers stepping in!
Enjoy your precious little gift!
Sam
Thank you, Beth! God is so good and we are so grateful <3
R
She’s so beautiful! Thanks for sharing with us ❤️❤️❤️
Brigitte Couture
OMG you’re Superwoman personified!!! Congratulations!!!
Gladys
So happy for you!!!
I wanted to thank you so much for all your delicious recipes! I’m a huge fan.
Thx
Gladys
Sam
Thank you so much for the kind words, Gladys!! 🥰
Dixie
Congratulations on your sweet baby girl. Beautiful pics! I am a fairly new subscriber but I have made several of your recipes and I am a bit obsessed:) Enjoy your time with your family.
God bless,
Dixie
Pat
Congratulations! Your daughter is beautiful 🥰. Isn’t she lucky to have two older brothers to love and protect her🥰
Amanda K Menard
How precious and perfect!!! Congratulations and thank you for all the wonderful recipes and sharing your beautiful blessings!!!!