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. 💕
Janice
Welcome Ella Grace! You have picked the most wonderful family. I know you’re going to be crazy happy there.
Congratulations to the whole Merritt family.
Sending love and best wishes,
Janice
Ana
Congratulations to you and your family ❤️
Sue
So happy for you all Sam! She is just darling ❤
Judy
Congratulations! She is beautiful! Your boys are so sweet too!
God bless you and your sweet family!
Karen Hancock
God has truly blessed you and your family,Don’t forget to thank him for all your blessings! how precious she is! I have two sons also both married Son #1 has 2 boys and son #2 has the girl. I watched her till she was 3 and then I was gifted a triple bypass I am better now having a knee problem. Sorry didn’t need this to be so long just best wishes and I so enjoy your recipes. You are precious in His sight. Get sleep when you can Best Wishes and prayers, Karen
Nina Kale
Congratulations on your beautiful new daughter and handsome sons. I would love to see a picture including your husband!
You do a wonderful job with Sugar Spun Run, I love how easy you make your recipes.
I have been cooking and baking for 60 years and enjoy your recipes and learn something with each new email.
Jo Thomas
Congrats to you and your family!! Babies are a gift from God! She is precious.
Debra
Congratulations! She is beautiful! Enjoy every moment with her and your boys!!
Chris
Congratulations on your new baby girl. Many blessings to you and your family.
Linsey Bellan
congratulations Sam, she is beautiful!
Michele
So Very Beautiful, Congratulations and Much love to you and all your boys.
Norma Jean Beauchemin
Congratulations! She is beautiful, a wonderful addition to your family. 💘
Christina Black
Congratulations on your beautiful new baby girl Ella Grace!💕 God bless you and your precious family!💕
Mary Burkett
Lovely sweet girl! Blessings to you family
Michelle Holmes
Well if this isn’t the sweetest thing you’ve shared 😉 She’s adorable!!
Brigitte
Omygosh, she is the sweetest!!!! Congratulations to your family, the grandparents and the dog 🤣
So happy for you Sam ♥️
Maureen Casey
Congratulations Sam on your brand new darling baby daughter Ella.
She adorable and she looks like she will have big brothers looking out for her.
Enjoy your beautiful new bundle.
I made you Chantilly cake this week for a special birthday order, and the recipients were delighted to say the least with it, so thank you for your perfect receipe.
Lots of love , Maureen from New Zealand.❤️💛💕💕
Maryellen Cox
What a beautiful family! Congratulations! Try and rest. 🙂