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. 💕
nancy
She is so beautiful! Love the name. Get plenty of rest and remember to have fun.
Dorothy
Congratulations!! So happy for you/your family! 🙏🏼❤️
Terri Lyn Davidson
How wonderful so blessed with a new baby girl for your little boys to love and snuggle. my daughter just announced they have #2 on the way so thank-you for posting your favorite baby must haves for busy new moms. looking forward to more recipes, when you have time of course 🙂
Paulette Allen Bowdoin
So happy for your family. Live the picture of the boys with their sister.
Esther Jarvis
Congratulations! I was youngest of and girl. my brother, 5 yrs older, was just like your boys. He’s always looked out for me. Enjoy your precious baby girl!
Lucy
Congratulations. What a sweetie.
Ella will have the best brothers growing up and protecting their little sister.
God Bless!!
elizabeth nunley
What an absolutely beautiful little girl, I can’t get over how beautiful she is. I just keep looking at her over and over and her head is shape so perfectly and everything about her. Congratulations cause I know you must be as beautiful as your daughter✝️🥳
Donna
Oh she just a beauty! Congratulations
Jenine
My heart is smiling ear to ear, this is so beautiful. What a beautiful family 🙏🏼💕
Stacey Greenlee
Congratulations, she’s beautiful!
Cheryl Stanke
She is absolutely beautiful! Congratulations!
Francoise Choy
Congratulations Samantha !
So sweet news !
Please spend precious moments with her & boys …….and just let go of Cooking / Recipes etc.
A beautiful baby girl
Joy Wolfe
What a precious little girl! I was the third child in my family and the only girl. I was loved at first until I got big enough to get into the middle child’s toys. Then I was no longer so fun:). I hope the boys continue to love on her. Cherish this time and this sweet gift that God has given you!
LaQuita Mosley
Aww☺️
Simply beautiful congratulations!!
Theresa De Rosa
I just saw beautiful Ella, I told you she would be beautiful. I can see the boys adore her. I love your gift ideas. God Bless you and your family. The boys are so handsome…
Elaine Cooper
Congratulations on Ella’s arrival. She is just gorgeous. Very happy that everyone is adjusting to the new lil’ one. How could they not?? She just radiates beauty.
Jill Lopate
Your children are so beautiful and this little girl is a little rosebud! Previous and lovely! Thank you for allowing all of us a glimpse of your wonderful family! l
Linda
Wishing you the best. Love that picture of her with her brothers.
Ursula Bachli
Congratulations! What a happy surprise. She is adorable. So happy for your family.
Sue Witt
She is so very precious and I love that you shared this with us. It was a beautiful moment in my day today! Best wishes and congratulations!
Marie
Sam, Congratulations and Blessings to you and your adorable family!! Your pictures made my heart sing!!!
Michelle
Congratulations to you and your precious family!! 💖
Sam
CONGRATULATIONS TO YOUR BEAUTIFUL BABY GIRL!! You have a beautiful family.