These photos were taken after mother's day. Remember when I said I wanted a new diaper bag in this post? Well, Jordan actually ordered it before I even posted that. My good man saw me looking at it and decided to get it for me for Mother's Day. 

On this day we were headed out to grab a quick dinner and I had Jordan snap these photos. I'm not wearing any makeup, didn't do my hair, other than pinning it out of my face, but I am wearing the pretty blouse I bought on Mother's day (that post here), my new bag, and sporting my cute babe on my hip. So, I felt great. 

We have sooo many hostas in our yard. And they're the best. 

I have been wanting to do a baby registry post ever since I shared my tips on building a baby registry. In all honesty, the task seems a bit overwhelming right now. I would love to share it all someday, but right now, between friends, i'll just share with you a few of the items I am most grateful for. 

If you're about to welcome a baby into the world, and we were to talk about a baby registry, I wouldn't give you my whole list. I would carefully think through a few items that I really loved, yet are unique enough that maybe they aren't on your radar.

Building a registry is overwhelming as it is. As a friend, I would try my best not to overwhelm, but let's be real, I can be a little over the top. So I will share my top 5 things and then some, oh, and I will share Jordan's favorites as well. haha

There are a few things that we got from our registry that were lifesavers. I didn't think too hard on this list, these were just the things that came to mind. There are many others, but when I asked myself what items I was most grateful for, these were those items.

the 5 Items I am most grateful for as a new mama:

no. 001 Comotomo Bottles

These bottles are seriously the best. They are truly slow flow, and hardly leak. I struggled with breast feeding Ruby and these bottles made our transition so easy. 

I really wanted to love these adorable bottles, but they just never worked for Ruby. 

Bottle Buying Tip: Pick a couple of your favorite bottles, mine were the comotomo and lifefactory, and only sanitize a couple to see what works best for you and baby. And order more of the one you like most. Really, I think you'll be fine with just the comotomo bottle though. 

no. 002 Soft & Stretchy Swaddles

This is one that I always mention to new mamas now. Because the typical aden and anais swaddles are so popular, a lot of people don't look beyond them. Guys, there are so many more softer and stretchier swaddles!! Look for organic cotton! I am so glad we were gifted these bamboo ones, they're so soft! and the white is great for photos! I also love these cute swaddles. We transitioned to a sleep sack once Ruby was over the swaddles.

no. 003 Our Stroller

I've mentioned before, but we love our stroller! We recently I added the tray and I LOVE this stroller organizer. 

Here's a helpful guide for choosing a stroller. 

no. 004 Baby Wrap & Carrier

I am so grateful that I had a solly baby wrap. I only used it for a few months, but it was essential to doing anything. I was able to make dinner, and MOVE IN TO A NEW HOUSE. Thank you, Solly. & Lindsey for letting me borrow it! :)

We also love our Ergo! 

no. 005 Rocking Chair 

This was a tough one, I initially wanted to say a breast pump (i had a few) and was so grateful for it, to give ruby milk for 6 months. And then, it was a toss up between these nail clippers and this rocking chair. I LOVE this rocking chair, and we're so grateful to have a cozy resting spot in ruby's room. I use it multiple times a day. 

Thanks to our parents for getting us the big things on this list!

Just for fun, here's Jordan's list:

Rocking Chair

Travel Crib

Play Gym

Parables Book

Car Mirror

We used BabyList for our registry and loved it! In fact, we are still using the same registry for Ruby's first birthday, we just continue to add to it!

I would love to hear yours, what are your top 5?

Best way to save during this sale

The sale that The Honest Company is currently running is a dollar amount off. The most being 40 dollars off of 100 dollars (Use code earth40 at check out). So, it's best to not spend over 100 dollars.

You can also get 20 dollars off of 50 dollars (code earth20) and 30 dollars off 75 (earth30)
To start shopping at Honest Company sign up first here.

I've mentioned before that the best way to save is to get a bundle.

So for example this time, I may get a diaper bundle, which is 80 dollars. You already save 35 percent getting a bundle. And then with the bundle you can get almost any other three items 25 percent off. So, I may get a can of formula, or a few cleaning supplies.

Sometimes this can be tricky when initially purchasing the bundle. So if the 25 percent isn't showing up off you additional items you can chat with customer service. They helped me the last time I made a purchase.

I'm also thinking about just getting the essentials bundle this time, which is 35 dollars, and stocking up on my favorites. The best way to save with the essentials bundle is to bundle the more expensive items, like my favorite 4-in1 packs, healing balm, dish towels, and then use the add-on feature to save 25 percent off of the cheaper items like the dishsoap or cleaning sprays. But, be sure to spend 50 so that you can save 20 dollars! :)

And don't forget that the bundles are a subscription, so if you don't want it again make sure to call and cancel. The customer service is really great. They have even pushed back my bundle by six months, so that I have time to work through my stock pile.

How to get ADDITIONAL savings:

You can also get 2.5 percent cash back by using Ebates. Ebates is really easy to use!It's just a website! Sign up here to create an account and from there visit any store that you want to shop from their list, like Honest Company or Gap. (They have almost any store that you shop at, I promise!)  I have made quite a bit of money just by stopping by Ebates first and clicking on the site I want to purchase something.It's not a scam, I promise, It's just really awesome.

If you're not currently using Ebates, you need to be!! I recently just added the ebates button to my web browser and now I never forget to get cashback.

Sorry if this all sounds like a sales pitch, I just really love getting free money! haha

I hope this was helpful for you! Let me know what you want to get at the Honest Company's Earth Day sale. And don't forget to use Ebates

And hopefully you planted something outside and have dirt under your fingernails. Jordan's day off was today so we've been outside all day, it has been glorious!

Also, I really love Honest Co. and Ebates they are not giving me anything for this review!! But, they are awesome and give me a little credit if you use the links I provided. You can do the same when you sign up and share your link with friends and family! :)

Here are the links again: The Honest Company and Ebates

You can find Ruby's headband at this cute etsy shop

one | two | three | four | five | six | seven | eight | nine | ten 

Before we left for Arizona I realized that Ruby didn't have a single short-sleeved shirt in her current size. I needed to find some inexpensive clothes that would work for warmer weather. Of course, I went straight to Old Navy and was so impressed. They're totally killing it.

I wanted to share with you all of the things I got for Ruby, but some of them were already sold out! So, I included some of the cute spring clothes we got and some other fun things. and I just couldn't resist the baby birkenstocks.

And because Ruby will be fitting into 12-18 month clothing soon, this is a combination of baby and toddler clothes. Although some of them do overlap. I was actually so happy when I realized I could start shopping the toddler section. There are so many more choices! 

I also picked out a new favorite dress for myself, in grey, which is already working the rotation. It is so soft and comfy, I may wear it every day this summer. If you decide to get it, I definitely recommend getting the tall size (coming from someone who is 5'3) By the way, anyone have any favorites or suggestions for building a mom uniform?

I'm thinking the red romper for fourth of July, what do you think? 

I rounded up some of Ruby's favorite toys as well as a couple we hope to add to her collection soon. I am a big advocate for beautiful baby toys. Most of these toys have held a spot on her bookshelf at some point. I love that they can serve another purpose and look beautiful displayed or maybe just strewn about on your living room floor. :) 

It was just a year ago around this time that I was pregnant & putting together a registry for our little one. Pregnancy was pretty tough for me and picking out fun baby things was definitely a redeeming aspect.

I was still working and it would be dark outside by the time I got home. After a full day of teaching I was pretty wiped. My sweet husband made me dinner every night (or would pick up takeout) and I would watch an episode of Gilmore Girls and read baby reviews and blogs. It was such a sweet time of caring for my little girl in this simple way.