There's A Baby On The Way!

For real. 

I know. I (Elisabeth) can hardly believe it myself and I'm the one who is four months pregnant with a sweet potato sized baby boy. It seemed like time to share the big news, mainly because Miya and I were starting to have a difficult time avoiding references to babies or pregnancy. But enough about me, let's talk about you. Do you have a friend or maybe a sister who is pregnant or in the process of adopting? You do, that's fantastic because I happen to have some insight into what you could give her. 

I always feel a little giddy when I hear that a baby is going to come into a loved one's life, whether it's through adoption, pregnancy, or a magical stork. While I relish any opportunity to give sweet knitted goodies, a beautiful wooden teether, or my favorite alphabet print for the nursery, if I'm particularly close to the mother-to-be, sometimes it feels right to give her a little something after I hear the big news. Whether it's a "yay, it's finally happening," a "you're going to make such a good mother," or an "I'm sorry you haven't stopped vomiting for six weeks" gift, it never hurts to show a soon-to-be mother a little love.

Even though this print of Waiting Again by Matte Stevens really has nothing to do with babies or pregnancy, the title (Matte Stevens always uses the very best titles for his work) makes me imagine these couples are all lined up in a row to wait for their babies. No matter how a baby comes into your life, there will always be a period of waiting, but this print will still be appreciated long after the baby arrives.

This silly little print, You're Doing Everything Right by laurageorge, says exactly what your expectant friend or sister needs to hear on a daily basis. People are quick to tell a mother or mother-to-be everything she is doing wrong, so make sure you give this print with instructions to hang it somewhere it can be seen every day. It will be like whispering a little pep talk in her ear each morning.

Clockwise from top left: White Jasmine Sparkling Tea by Golden Star Tea Co.; Ginger Juice by The Ginger People; Clarified Key Lime and Blood Orange Bitters by Stirrings; Lavendar Lemon Drop and Wasabi Bloody Mary by Mod Mix. 

Since I happen to be a serious wine lover (let's just say we didn't get married in Napa for the olives), I always feel a twinge of sadness when I see our wine club bottles accumulating on the wine rack while I'm pregnant. I have enough vinophile friends to know I'm not the only one who longs for a wine glass at dinner when abstaining for nine months. I've realized, though, that the wine glass itself is a big part of our dining ritual and as long as it's filled with something that appeals to an adult palate, I'm pretty happy. So most nights you'll find me dining with sparkling water, a splash of one of these nonalcoholic mix-ins, and maybe a pretty garnish, all in one of our good glasses. These mixers are perfect for a not-too-sweet and downright adult tasting mocktail. Wrap a couple of these in a box with some lemons, limes, and a cute little stirrer and you have a gift that any abstaining cocktail lover would adore.

If you need a gift with a little more wow factor for your pregnant or adopting loved one (maybe because of a birthday or holiday), these Matta metal wraps, which can be found at Nonchalant Mom, could not be more perfect. Is it a belt? A necklace? A bracelet? Yes, yes, yes. That's right, one wrap is perfectly suited to be all of those things. They're not only multi-functional and gorgeous, but they're pretty much baby proof. I can't imagine Claire (or the new baby) destroying them or me ever tiring of them. That makes them winners in my book.
[Updated to add that TODAY ONLY Nonchalant Mom is offering 10% off your entire order with the code EXTRA10]

We hope you have a cozy weekend planned!

Comments

[Ashley]

Congratulations!! Can't wait to meet you tomorrow!

[Stephanie]

Congrats!

Great ideas for the non-alcoholic drinks