I am so excited to finally show you all the nursery! I revealed awhile back that it would be cactus themed but never showed much more! I finally have the majority put together and can’t wait to show you everything. I also did my best to link all the items you see at the bottom of the post!

THE BEST BABY CAMERA

One of the first things I wanted when I found out I was pregnant was the Lollipop Baby Monitor smart and intelligent video-based baby monitor.

It is WIFI-based monitor such that you can not only use your phone to see your baby’s live-feed indoor, also in your office or outdoor is available to watch your baby.

I love the Lollipop’ name and the soft, rounded contours, and the posable silicone arm! Also, the camera can detect a truly crying baby and has a low false alarm rate! Basically, their technology can distinguish between CRYING and NOISE, which is totally different from the other products on the market claiming .

My favorite features:

Audio Mode – The Only Wifi Baby Monitor with Audio Mode for Overnight Monitoring
Audio Mode Alarm System – Alarm if there is a network disconnect while using Audio Mode.
No Addtional Monthly Fee
Push Video Notify – 30s event video, by Crying/Noise/Virtual Wall (Optional: Lollipop Sensor, Temperature, Humidity, Air Quality)
High Quality Video – Sony Sensor inside, H.264, 720P, with Made-in-Japan Computar Lens
Streaming – In home:LAN rtsp/Away from home:Cloud Streaming
Data History – Daily & weekly noise/crying and environment (Optional: Lollipop Sensor) data log
Quick Setup
Night Vision – Two mode selection – 940nm LEDs invisible for nearing baby, and 850nm for wall mounting
Remote Music Playing – Lullabies and smooth sounds built-in
Live View Sharing – unlimited shared users for your relatives
Mobile Device Requirement – Bluetooth 4.0(BLE) iPhone 4s or Later / Android Phone

In addition to the baby camera [which I loved that I could match the color to Annabelle’s room], I went with a pink/green/black colors group. The furniture in this room is actually a hodge podge of finds. But I will do my best to link similar products!

Why the cactus?

The cactus theme was build off of the glass cactus you see below that was my moms. I thought it was the perfect inspiration piece to build off of and as Annabelle grows I can’t wait to tell her all about her Grandma Jeanne that is in heaven.

Also, I want to note that the pillow and blanket will not be in the crib. I just staged them for photos!

Rug

Lollipop Baby Camera

[Similar] Glass Cactus

[Similar] Wood frame “Annabelle” sign

Fierce Sign FYI this is a printable that Annabelle’s Gaga had framed for us!

Cactus mirror

Glider& Ottoman

Pink lamp shade

[Similar] Lamp

[Similar] Monogrammed blanket

[Similar] Stay Wild Pillow

I hope you all loved everything about Annabelle’s nursery. I can’t wait for her to enjoy and grow into it!

XOXO, Gabbing Ginger

Please note this post may contain affiliate links.

baby

Postpartum Update Week 1

November 5, 2018November 5, 2018 GabbingGinger

Postpartum Update Week One

Please note this post may contain affiliate links.

Below are all of the products I mention in the video. Click the photo!

PS don’t miss the birth vlog/blog HERE!

What were your top products for postpartum life?

XOXO Gabbing Ginger

baby

Annabelle’s Birth Story

October 29, 2018October 29, 2018 GabbingGinger

Baby Annabelle’s Birth Story

When I sat down to write this birth story I decided that talking through it might be a little easier. I have so much to say and convey and I feel like text just wouldn’t do the story justice. Plus, during this pregnancy I did pregnancy updates via my YouTube Channel… so why not continue the journey that way? Below you will find video and some bonus labor and delivery photos! I really loved getting to put my story into words and while it might not be minute by minute accurate I think since it is still fresh it was easier to remember how everything happened!

PS If you missed my birth story with my oldest baby Tripp check it out here.

Checking to see if she is indeed a girl. Ha!

I seriously just couldn’t believe how fast and calm everything was! Also, can we just take a second to give props to how great pregnancy hair is? I will embrace this since in a few short months it will all fall out!

If you wonder where baby A gets her double chin from… that would be me lol! And while this isn’t the most flattering picture of me I think it is my favorite because it shows how truly excited I was in that moment to meet baby A!

I was so thrilled to have her to hold finally! Our family is so lucky for her to be apart of it. Big brother is adjusting well and she already has daddy wrapped around her finger! She has been the sweetest baby and seriously was worth the wait!

Did you have a fast or a slow birth? I don’t know about you but I am addicted to watching and reading birth stories. Every story is so unique and special and I love hearing how everyone’s unfolds.

XOXO Gabbing Ginger

baby, Family, Favorite Things, pregnant

Wee Baby Stella Doll

October 25, 2018 GabbingGinger

Wee Baby Stella Doll For Big Brother

We are so excited for Tripp to become a big brother. I have been researching ways to help kiddos with the transition of a new baby. One thing that resonated with me was having a “baby” for the big sibling to “help” do things with when you need to tend to the baby. Tripp is ALL about helping and having responsibilities these days so I thought a baby of his own would be perfect.

The perfect gift

He has been playing with the baby and practicing with him. He has loved his baby and when baby came home he definitely had a better understanding of being gentle and how to help mom with baby.

What I love about the Manhattan Toy Company is that they recognize that we are profoundly influenced by the toys we play with.

That in every little pair of hands lies not a marketing opportunity, but a chance to positively affect the future.

That having a sense of humor means the difference between enduring life, and enjoying it. If it doesn’t contain a wink and smile, it isn’t worth making.

We remember every day that every invention on this earth was dreamed into existence.

We remember that the most powerful thing any of us play with in this life is our imagination.

Now you create your custom wee baby Stella doll.

I think as adults we forget how important it is to use our imaginations. I have loved watch Tripp playing “pretend” with his baby. It amazes me how much he knows to do without me teaching him. Kids really do watch us more closely than we realize.

These dolls are adorable, durable and a great size. They make great gifts and the fact they can be customized just takes it to the next level. It is seriously a great first baby doll – that can look just like your child! Check out how you can customize one for a special kiddo in your life today!

XOXO Gabbing Ginger

baby, Family, Favorite Things, Uncategorized

My perfect Baby Sprinkle

September 13, 2018September 13, 2018 GabbingGinger

Cactus Baby Sprinkle

Baby showers and sprinkles are so much fun! I am lucky to have a friend who LOVES to party plan and has a business that helps plan events, design interiors and even does gift giving. Needless to say when she plans something it becomes something perfect and wonderful.

Taylor has helped me put together home decor around my house and has helped me plan baby girls cactus nursery (reveal coming soon). She knew how much I loved the nursery theme so she transitioned that into a theme for the baby sprinkle.

I will link everything possible below. Taylor and one of her long time friends run Southern Reflections, LLC.

You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram. So if you are in the DFW area (or even further) they can help you with interior design, event planning and even gift giving!

I really do feel that every baby should be celebrated and it was so fun that my sprinkle was small and intimate compared to my baby shower with Tripp (which by the way Taylor planned too)! I loved getting to chat and of course opening all of the girly gifts was a plus too!

The Dessert

The shower theme was cactus and we enjoyed brunch and these super yummy cupcakes and cookies from GC Cakes. She did such an amazing job they not only looked fantastic but tasted amazing too!

The Decor

Seriously, pictures don’t do the balloon/floral centerpiece justice. It was so beautiful and fun! The flowers are from Trader Joe’s and the Balloon Centerpiece is from Party Warehouse.

Everything was seriously so stunning and perfect for a cactus baby sprinkle! I loved the pinks, greens and creams. It was perfect in every way!

The Thank You’s

My hostesses all did such a fabulous job so I wanted to give them something useful, cute and of course pink! My friend Meg over at Gingy Love made the vinyl monograms for me, I purchased these cups and made this printable (you can download it for free here: Sprinkle Thank You.)! I just cut and glued to plain white gift bags and added a pop of pink tissue paper.

For the thank you gifts for attendees we did small succulent plants from Lowe’s and I printed the same graphic a bit smaller. I I got small wood sticks and glued mini clothes pins and stuff them in! Super easy and affordable!

I seriously had the most perfect sprinkled loved getting to spend time with my friends and family! Baby girl is sure lucky to have so many wonderful women in her life! I want to thank everyone who was a part of it and especially my friend Taylor who made it truly magical!

Thanks to these beautiful hostesses!

XOXO Gabbing Ginger

baby, Family, Favorite Things, FItness, pregnant

Fit Pregnancy

August 15, 2018August 15, 2018 GabbingGinger

Fitness is one of my favorite ways to implement self care into my life especially during pregnancy. I also have a little obsession with workout clothes. When I saw this tank from Fit & Flirty I knew I needed it in my life. Thanks to Fit & Flirty for gifting me such a fun product!

I really love this shirt because while I know I can’t enjoy rosé right now but yoga and wine on Sundays are some of my favorite way to unwind and get ready for the week. Also, check out this awesome article of 8 reasons to include champagne into your life because it explains how a little bit of bubbles can benefit your health! I really am looking forward to being able to enjoy a glass of wine and some yoga… I know it is still a bit a way but it is something that I really do enjoy and can’t wait to start getting back into getting my body into shape and enjoying a little treat every once in awhile!

Fit&Flirty has so many great merchandise options! They were so kind to give me a code for 15% off it is SWEATPINK6. Seriously SO many cute tops with fun sayings!

For those of you who have been following my pregnancy I wanted to let you know some of my favorite you tubers for at home pregnancy workouts! Perfect for some namaste on your Sunday or any day of the week! Seriously, these workouts are perfect for busy moms because they are short and sweet but keep you moving!

I love that they have so many options from yoga, to cardio to kickboxing! It helps keep things interesting which I for sure need during my workouts! Check out my two favorites below:

@bodyfitbyamy

Body Fit by Amy Pregnancy Playlist

@moretonic

TonicPregnancy Yoga Playlist

What are some of your favorite fitness clothes and what are your favorite online workout programs?

XOXO Gabbing Ginger

baby, Favorite Things, pregnant

How we chose our baby girls name!

August 13, 2018August 13, 2018 GabbingGinger

Hello everyone!

If you didn’t know we announced our sweet baby girls name; Annabelle Jeanne. Check out the video when we revealed the name!

I have gotten some questions on how we chose her name. For starters for those of you that don’t know our son is named after his dad and grandad but his nickname is Tripp (because he is a third). When we found out we were pregnant I actually went through my ancestry.com page and looked at all of the names in my family that were “A” names. I wanted to have at least one of the names be something from my family. Also, just an FYI I love names that can have nicknames!

The First Name

Through my research and once we knew we were having a girl I had found that my great grandmothers name was “Anabel” and immediately loved it! I mentioned the name to my husband and he loved it too. However, we kind of felt like hey that was too easy… so we went through a ton of other names seeing if they fit…. but in the end we came back to the name Anabel. We both however, wanted to spell it differently. After some talking we decided on Annabelle and I loved all the nickname possibilities!

The Middle Name

For a middle name we knew we would some how incorporate my mom’s name; she passed away about 6 years ago. We went back and forth on using Jeanne or Marie but in the end thought it would be fun to use the name “Jeanne” pronounced “Jean” [FYI my mom pronounced her name “Jean-ie”]. Jean is actually my husbands mom’s middle name and was her mom’s middle name too. So it worked out that it actually is a family name from both sides!

So there it is… how we chose the baby name. I won’t lie it was really hard and it took us awhile before we finally had a name and we went back and forth for awhile.

PS Did you have a hard time with baby names? Also, would y’all like to see a “top ten” names list video?

XOXO Gabbing Ginger

baby, Family, Favorite Things, pregnant, Uncategorized

3D Ultrasound| Little Brother sees sister for the first time in 3D!

August 7, 2018August 7, 2018 GabbingGinger

A couple weeks ago Mark, Tripp, my in-laws and myself went to have a 3D Ultrasound of baby Annabelle (name reveal video here). This was my first time ever experiencing a 3D ultrasound and I want to thank Hello Baby for hosting my family to this wonderful experience.

Family of 4 — HelloBaby First Family Photo

My first pregnancy I didn’t think I “needed” a 3D ultrasound. This pregnancy I wanted to do a few special things because so many things are different the second time around (like I totally forget to do weekly belly shots). That’s where the 3D ultrasound came in. After this experience though I would recommend anyone to do this during pregnancy. You get SO much more time to see your little one then in the typical doctors office ultrasound. All in all we were there for almost an hour and the majority of the time we were getting to see baby!

I loved that if the baby wasn’t cooperating that they build in time for you to walk around and drink some juice. If that still doesn’t work you can reschedule once for free! Another thing I absolutely loved is how family friendly they were. They engaged with the whole gamily and let Tripp get up close and personal!

Everyone was welcome and they were SO accommodating to my two year old. They had a play basket, let him sit with me and even let him press buttons on the ultrasound machine (I mean that is every two year olds dream, right?!).

Future doctor? — Tripp Playing on the Ultrasound Machine

Some odds and ends if you are local to Fort Worth Area and want to visit Hello Baby.

Pricing:

Heartbeat Experience: $50
Gender Experience: $75
3D/4D Bonding Experience: $130
3D/4D Total Experience: $190

Add on’s:

CD with all images from Ultrasound $10
USB with all images from Ultrasound $15
Small Heartbeat Bear $25
Large Heartbeat Bear $35

Regular vs. 3D ultrasound — Sweet Annabelle

I absolutely loved visiting Hello Baby and they were so sweet during the whole experience. It is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life and would tell anyone it is a must do during pregnancy!

Did you have a 3D ultrasound during pregnancy?

XOXO Gabbing Ginger

baby, Family, Favorite Things, Maternity/ Pregnancy, vlog

Pregnancy Update: Weeks 20-24

June 26, 2018June 26, 2018 GabbingGinger

baby, Family, Fashion, Favorite Things, Things I Love

Pathway Pack Diaper Bag

June 19, 2018June 19, 2018 GabbingGinger

Please note this post may contain affiliate links.

Y’all know I love a good diaper bag backpack and as a working mom I always want one with dual functions. One of the features I have been looking for is a bag that has a separate laptop pocket. I am always on the go with my laptop since I “work from home”. This diaper bag is the perfect combo because it has the perfect amount of space for my work and personal items with plenty of room to spare for items for my toddler (and soon to be newborn baby). Thanks to Petunia Pickle Bottom for gifting me this awesome Pathway Pack.

Another bonus of this bag is that it is coated canvas. I love the canvas look but it isn’t duper durable however, this coating is stain resistant and helps keep the fabric from snagging. This bag also has several color options to fit every personality. I really loved this classic black and white because I felt it would go so well with my wardrobe.

Some of the other features I am loving are the roomy interior with 2 open pockets and 1 snap-close laptop pocket and the exterior pockets, detachable cross body strap… give me ALL the pockets so we can stay organized!

Here are some of the other wonderful features that Petunia Pickle Bottom highlights:

2 side exterior bottle pockets
2 open front pockets, 1 zippered front pocket
The canvas pack’s front flap secures with a snap closure
Zippered mesh pocket under flap
Removable, water-resistant and washable baby changing pad
PPB-monogrammed wipes case
Genuine leather trim, stamped logo, premium antique copper-colored metal hardware
This coated cotton canvas diaper bag has woven backpack straps, grab handle and detachable cross-body strap

I seriously have gotten compliments every time I have used this bag so far! It makes a great pool bag too since it can keep you organized but keeps things dry!

Outfit details:

David Yurman Bracelet #1

David Yurman Bracelet #2

Seriously, this diaper bag is the working moms dream because you can easily separate all of your kids items from your personal work items with plenty of extra space. The pocket system keeps you organized and makes for easy transfer if you need to just grab your items out so you can drop the kiddo off! This diaper bag can work so perfectly for both the working mom and the SAHM!

XOXO Gabbing Ginger

Category: baby

Lollipop Baby Camera + Nursery Reveal

THE BEST BABY CAMERA

My favorite features:

Why the cactus?

Postpartum Update Week 1

Annabelle’s Birth Story

Baby Annabelle’s Birth Story

Wee Baby Stella Doll

Wee Baby Stella Doll For Big Brother

The perfect gift

My perfect Baby Sprinkle

Cactus Baby Sprinkle

The Dessert

The Decor

The Thank You’s

Fit Pregnancy

How we chose our baby girls name!

The First Name

The Middle Name

3D Ultrasound| Little Brother sees sister for the first time in 3D!

Pregnancy Update: Weeks 20-24

Pathway Pack Diaper Bag