Nesting in Calm and Comfort

The following post was sponsored by Belabumbum.

I admit that generally speaking, I don’t make time for myself. I’m lucky to find a moment alone to use the restroom, or take a shower, or make it to the grocery store-a near luxury for this mother of three, almost four. Most times, I’m frustrated by the banging on the doors and constant yelling for me when I do find a moment alone, but I know so well that I will miss this incredibly one day when they’re grown, so I don’t wish it away. Most times anyway.

When I’m not creating time for myself, I indulge in other ways. There’s a handful of beauty products that I love and use every day, I don’t get manicures and pedicures but twice a year I’ll fork over more than enough to get my hair done. I like wearing nice clothes and I have a smallish, slightly pricey shoe buying habit. In a way, this is sort of like investing into my own personal wellbeing, even though I should probably be finding ways to exercise more or spend time with dear friends. Belabumbum is one of the brands that I go to first when looking for lounge wear and pajamas, especially when I’m pregnant.

Like so many friends in the same parenting stage as I am, I often sacrifice sleep to somehow grasp that sense of solitude. I can’t think of any other time that I find such peace alone than when I know they’re all tucked into their beds and sleeping soundly. Generally during those moments I’m up tinkering away on the internet, writing about my family and editing photos that I took of them. I am clad in my most favorite soft Belabumbum jammies and fully immersed creatively, to say the least. And that is right where I want to be.

Back in June, I was able to spend some quality time with my mom in New York City: We ate and shopped, and shopped and ate some more. Part of my trip included a photo shoot with Belabumbum, where I was able to get a little pampered and take some really lovely photos-with a real model no less!

It was such a treat to be apart of this brand’s campaign and photo shoot, and getting to work with them in this way, too. I wouldn’t have taken professional photos of this pregnancy without them and am so grateful to have the chance to support their brand as well.

Pregnancy has a very special way of demanding that at least some of my focus shifts back to my own personal well being, both mentally and physically. I worry less about the length of time I sit in in my obstetrician’s waiting room (I’ve learned to bring a book), I’ll sneak a guilt-free nap in with Theo and Beau, or indulge in takeout if I’m craving something in particular. I’m easy on myself emotionally and allow the tears to flow freely and, lately, frequently-sometimes for no good reason. Pretty soon I’ll have a new bundle of beauty to admire, dote upon, snuggle, and invest every single ounce of myself into, and while having a newborn is completely consuming it’s also one of the most beautiful times in my life. I can’t wait to do it again.

The nesting stage has started to manifest lately, and part of that has meant that I’m spending a lot of time and energy building a family sanctuary. I have this vision for the space that we’ll be bring home our new baby to, and it involves a lot of plants, white linen and lounge wear. I can’t really explain it, but it feels like the right direction so I’m going with it. I won’t be spending much time outside of our home, so I’ve been stockpiling beautiful blankets as well as cozy, delicious nursing tops and lounge wear from Belabumbum. It’s a way of spoiling myself that I’m more than happy to invest in, especially knowing that I’m not only caring for myself by creating the most peaceful and comfortable moments, but the more I feel calm, the more I will exude it. That is crucial for everyone in my family.

Thank you to Belabumbum for sponsoring this post and to Alex Solmssen for providing the beautiful photographs. All opinions are my own.