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. 💕
Maria B Rugolo
I wanted to check the site for what’s Sam got that’s new? Ella Grace is by far the sweetest, latest creation! Congratulations to you all! Every good and perfect gift comes from above! So very happy for you! 💞
Dianne Lampe
Congratulations 2 All of U She is a Beautiful Baby Girl “CHEERS”
Myriam
Congratulations. Enjoy these beautiful moments. It’s such a beautiful time to observe the older brothers bonding with their little sister. They are so precious.❤️
Kathleen
Congratulations to you and your family! Your daughter is just beautiful. Enjoy this time with your family and we’ll all look forward to your return.
LoriU
Awww Ella is beautiful!! Congratulations and so happy it is going well for you.
Katherine Bono
Congratulations to the new addition. She is adorable. Enjoy every moment with your family.
Gretchen
Heartfelt Congratulations to your beautiful new addition to your family. Enjoy your time off and soak up all the love you can dear, they grow so fast. 💝
Melinda Shryock
Congratulations! Treasure your time off! I have 3 daughters that are all grown now and I STILL miss those baby snuggles! 💕 Wishing you the BEST!
Tina
How beautiful is Ella and what a pretty name she has! Babies are such a special gift. She has two sweet, big brothers to grow up with! Thank you for sharing these pics. Congrats to you and your family.
Carol Butcher
Congratulations on baby Girl Ella. Your Pictures are so precious. Cherish & Enjoy all those Special Moments…the years have a way of passing by so very quickly. Carol (Grandmother of 5).
Esther
Okay, my heart ♥️ melted when I saw her. She is absolutely 🥰 adorable
Pamela G.
Such a beautiful precious baby girl. So happy for you and glad to see all her brothers love and cuddle her. Congratulations 🎊🥂
Dawn
Congratulations!!! A precious addition to your beautiful family. 💜
Phyllis
Congratulations to you and your family. Your children are adorable. May God Bless you and your family. Thank you for all your great recipes.
Kelli Thomas-Mades
She is so beautiful. I have to say this my son, the youngest and only boy out of 5 kids. He was the best baby ever! While he was growing up my baby also grew up being a do-do butt. That crushed my heart.
The mortal of the story is this: don’t count your chickens before they hatch, because someone else has a plan for her.
Today, my son has 3 babies of his own. 2 girls and 1 boy and to my surprise a very good dad.
I love her name! Congrats to you and your family.
Diane
Best Wishes! how lovely!
Phyllis Myers
Welcome baby Ella Grace. Lovely.
Mari
Hi Sam
Congratulations❤ she is so sweet❤❤❤