Fabric

One of the unexpected 'symptoms' of my pregnancy has been a new-found love of handmade fabric items. I delved heavily into paper DIY during our wedding preparations last year, and have continued my desire to craft and construct over the past nine months with fabric. In addition to a few handmade items that I've made for our boy, I've also received and have purchased a number of beautiful items handmade by others. I admit to spending hours searching Etsy for beautiful baby items made from Alexander Henry, Joel Dewberry and Amy Butler fabrics. Photos: Alexander Henry Mod Bird Griffith Park bandana bib via poba, Joel Dewberry Sparrow in Plum wet bag via Snuggy Baby, and Amy Butler Trumpet Flowers tote via Heart 2 Handbags.

Dresses

My cousin is getting married on October 22, and I'm already thinking about wearing a non-maternity dress to the festivities. ASOS has so many beautiful options!

Books

This past Saturday my mom and close female relatives threw an amazing luncheon and baby shower for me. It was such fun to enjoy delicious food (red velvet cupcakes, homemade tomato soup, curry chicken wraps and more) and chat about babies and motherhood. A few of my cousins brought along their baby daughters too, which was such a fun reminder of what is to come for us in the next few weeks. Before the shower, I registered for a bunch of classic and contemporary picture and board books. As a result, our little man now has a fantastic starter library. Thank you to everyone who attended for their support and generosity.

This morning, I came across an article in Dwell on modern children's books, and now I'm excited to read books like Little 1 and ABC to our son when he's older.

Slings

Right now, I'm debating which colour ring sling to purchase. I want something that's versatile enough to wear with black sweaters and striped shirts around the home, but that could also be brought out for a special evening if need be. Your input is welcomed! Any other babywearing advice to share?

Slings above from BabyEtte, BabyEtte, Raspberry Baby and BabyEtte (again).

Update: I decided on the icy blue!

Bassinet

One of the first things we discussed as soon-to-be-parents was whether or not we would co-sleep, sleep with baby in our room or try to start baby off in his crib as soon as possible.

We ultimately decided to begin with baby in our room so we're using a bassinet that also clips into our stroller. We'll keep it on the floor close to our bed to facilitate night feedings. One of the things I like most about this decision is that baby will be used to sleeping in this particular unit, which will make traveling with it and using it with the stroller easier (hopefully!).

The trouble with bassinets is that they're often used for such short periods of time that their cost might seem difficult to justify, particularly for a beautiful modern bassinet like a Hushamok or a Nest Bassinet. For those of you looking for a different sort of stroller system, the EcoCradle might be the perfect option. I love that it can be decorated by you or older children, and recycled when no longer needed!

If you're looking for a 'reuse' option there are plenty of bassinets for sale locally from parents with gently used units.

Bench

I would love to try this at home! Found via Ohdeedoh, project by Christina Diaz.

Donkey

Wow. You know you're on the cusp of a big life change when you're fascinated by double strollers.

Triangles

Speaking of triangles, I am in love with these pieces from Jewiseha. A push present from my lovely husband, perhaps?

Placemats

Wouldn't these colouring placemats be perfect for toting to casual restaurants to keep tots occupied? Available today on the cheap via Zulily.

Matching

I love wearing matching outfits (coats in particular) with Greg. It makes me feel all couple-y. So... naturally I love these photos from Honestly WTF.

Font

Have a favourite website but loathe its font? Now you don't have to settle for less than ideal typography in all your web adventures. FontFonter allows you to view any website in the font of your choice. How fun!

California

As our exterior renovations begin today (photos of the finished job in a few weeks), I'm thinking a lot about homes. I'm particularly smitten with this 'California modern' apartment on Etsy.

Huaraches

These sandals seem like the perfect solution to the problem of slightly swollen feet and hot days. Image via Old Baltimore Vintage.

Cities

In honour of Canada Day, here are some beautiful prints of some of our beautiful cities! xo Canada map via the pixel prince.

Edmonton via birdAve.

Vancouver via Marissa Madori.

Toronto via Freshy Photo Arts.

Halifax via breeree.

St. John's via Catorart.

Teether

Natural teether via Koukku. I could use one of these today as my lower right wisdom tooth is cutting in.

Canopy

Wouldn't this make the sweetest reading nook for a little one? I'm adding it to my to-do list for when we transform our lower level guest room into a playroom in a few years. Via Sew Liberated.

I also want to make this felt fishing game, and Cookie Monster cupcakes.