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. 💕
Amber Cullen
She’s precious! Enjoy every second with her and your sweet family!
Meera
Hi Sam,
Ella is soo beautiful…you have such a wonderful family. I pray god continue to bless you & your family tremendously. Thank you for making us a part of your family, and sharing your recipes.
Stefanie
Congratulations to you, Sam!
Big brothers Luke and Rhett are already a big help with their baby sister.
You and Zach have a wonderful family. Ella is a beautiful baby.
Can’t wait for more photos on the blog moving forward.
Laura Thompson
Hi am so excited for the wonderful news of your beautiful baby girl. She is precious and I know her brothers think the world of her too. Thank you for sharing the pictures and I pray blessings upon you and your family Sam.
Marilyn Barnhart
Congratulations on your new addition of joy!
Cathy Daigle
What a beautiful family. You give me hope that this nonsense going on in the world will calm down and we’ll get back to what’s really important…raising happy kids and yummy baking.
TAMMIE BURKETT
ahh shes precious! Congratulations on your new addition. 🙂
Sue
Your little ones are absolutely adorable! I was a child advocate for 20 years in Minnesota and this makes my heart melt! Love your recipes and sharing pictures of your little ones! Sending Grandma Hugs from Texas!
Laiema
Congratulations and blessings to you and your growing family!💜🥰🌷
Julie Patel
She’s beautiful, Sam! I’m so happy that Rhett and Luke love being big brothers too! Take all the time you need!
Anna
How wonderful! This is the sweetest news! She is an absolute perfection! Congratulations!! May God bless her and all your family ! 🥰
Mary
She is precious and beautiful. I am happy to hear things are going so well and that the boys love being big brothers. Congratulations and take care.
Beth Judy
she is beautiful! Congrats to you and your family.
Brenda
Hi Sam! Thank you so much for sharing a little of your personal life with us! Ella is soooo precious! You have a beautiful family, God bless you all. I am a huge fan; you are my go-to girl for sweet treats! Enjoy your snuggle time! They grow so quickly! 🤗
Terry
Thanks so much for sharing these beautiful, precious photos, and some of the back story!
Blessings to y’all, 🙏 from Alberta, Canada 🇨🇦