Henry's first baseball game // Sakura Bloom Styleathon Round 3

This past weekend Henry attended his first baseball game, so of course we made a video to commemorate such a fun day.  This particular video is a little special though, because it's also my Sakura Bloom Styleathon Round 3 submission. 

I can't tell you all enough how much babywearing has truly changed my little family's life. Sponsored posts and slings aside, I 110% support Sakura Bloom and what they stand for. I've spoken about it before, but I'd always been a little apprehensive about babywearing in the past- I wasn't sure if it was for me, if I could actually be comfortable carrying around a baby in a piece of fabric, etc. etc.  I was so wrong. Once I gave it a try I was completely hooked, and now I can't imagine parenting any other way.  I am so thankful that I was invited to be a part of this project, and besides the obvious bonus of meeting new mamas and getting to know them, I got to know a lot more about myself, too. We'll move forward as a babywearing family, and I'll continue to profess my love for these slings to every parent I meet that asks me what this piece of fabric and ring is all about. Thank you Leigh, Sakura Bloom, Marla Cielo, Selima Optique, and Lilla P. for making this journey so fashionable and fun. And thanks again to all of the awesome Moms I met while doing this project- we're all so different and it's been amazing being along for the ride with all of you fabulous women!

And now, here is our movie - Henry's first baseball game:






Outfit details-

Pure Linen sling: c/o Sakura Bloom
coral dress: Urban Outfitters
white leather flip flops: Tory Burch
burgundy sunglasses: c/o Selima Optique
woven clutch: c/o Marla Cielo

Sakura Bloom Styleathon: Round 2

Before I participated in the Sakura Bloom Styleathon I would see women wearing their babies and think how neat it looked, but I'd also think about how I was so certain that that style of mothering wasn't for me. Sure, I enjoyed putting Henry in one of the various carriers we owned, but he never seemed to truly enjoy it, and I found them to be cumbersome and difficult to use on my own. When I agreed to take part in the Styleathon, I was hesitant and nervous. I couldn't imagine my oh-so active Henry wanting to be to toted around in a a piece of fabric. When my first sling arrived I was still intimidated, so I left it in the box, next to my nightstand. One day though, my sense of adventure got the best of me, and I decided to try it out.

Now, there is a distinct divide between "before babywearing," and "after." Henry and I spend a lot of time out and about, and to be able to have him with me, near me, on me, has provided so much more of a connection than I could have ever imagined. Simply put; babywearing makes our lives infinitely better.  I find myself wearing Henry around the house or buying groceries, running errands and walking around the neighborhood; while cleaning, organizing and planning; through mornings and afternoons.

What started as a convenience has turned into a lifestyle, and now, I can't imagine my day without wearing Henry.  It's beyond just making life easier- it makes life more enjoyable. I feel closer to my son and somehow even more connected than I did before. I think back through this adventure of motherhood, and I think about how quickly it's been flashing before our eyes...it's too fast, and I want to hold onto every moment of it, every precious second with our son.  Wearing Henry allows me to do that a little more, and in those moments when it's just mama and baby, time slows down just a bit, and our two hearts are one, just for awhile.

Mama is wearing:
Simple Linen sling in Storm: c/o Sakura Bloom
Sleeveless Shirt Dress: c/o Lilla P.
red flats: Target

Baby is wearing:
striped shirt: c/o Tea Collection
black pants: Baby Gap

Sakura Bloom Styleathon: Round 1

Becoming a Mom has brought about change in every aspect of my life, and my personal style definitely did shift a bit upon Henry’s arrival. For me, there’s two sides to it; I have less time to spend getting ready, but with this change comes more of an appreciation for the time I do have. I treasure those moments I get to spend on myself- the primping, the prepping…even curling my hair feels that much more indulgent. Clothing choices now come with questions too: will I be breastfeeding while out? Will Henry be awake or asleep, climbing all over me or in his stroller? Will I be wearing him in his sling or will Hank have him in the carrier? My style for the day is a reflection of me, but it is also in direct correlation to my son. He is as much a part of my style as I am, and with this comes the necessity to be sure I remain true to myself and not get lost in the hustle, the bustle, and in adapting to what’s easy but not necessarily what makes me feel my best. It’s important for me to still dress up and feel pretty. And when I feel pretty, it makes me happy…and really, a happy mama means a happy family.

Getting dressed is so much simpler now because well, I feel so much more beautiful! I never expected to feel this way after having Henry, and to be honest, I was worried I’d feel unattractive as I got used to my new body and slightly different shape. But with childbirth came a new respect for myself. I feel proud of what I accomplished, and I believe that this newfound, deeper self-love has become an integral part of my style. Besides, accessorizing with confidence is always in, and with it comes a new willingness to try out different styles and have even more fun playing dress up on date night.

My personal style’s always evolving, but I’d say this new love-based, Mom-style is the best one yet.

{outfit details}

Mama:
Essential silk sling: c/o Sakura Bloom
cantaloupe and white striped top: c/o Lilla P
khaki cuffed shorts: Target
"D" initial necklace: Anthropologie
yellow peep-toe flats: Target

Henry:
yellow and white striped shirt: The Children's Place
khaki pants: Baby Gap

Read more about the Sakura Bloom Styleathon here!

Sakura Bloom Styleathon

I am so excited to share some exciting news with all of you! Today marks the beginning of the Sakura Bloom Styleathon, where I'll be participating in a Baby Wearing Style Documentary along with James of Bleubird Vintage, Joanna of A Cup of Joe, Jen of Jen Loves Kev, Elizabeth of The Littlest, Natalie of Nat the Fat Rat, Melisa of The Lil Bee, Sharmadean of The London Momma, and Aura of Aura Joon. 

Sakura Bloom recently sent me a couple slings, and I have to tell you guys how much I LOVE them. They're by far my most favorite carrier and Henry's honestly never been happier or more comfortable.  They actually sent a baby wearing expert out to our home to give me a private little lesson on the slings, and since then he's been in it everywhere we go. I'll be talking a lot more about Sakura Bloom over the next month, but I have to say how neat it is to be involved with a company, a mission, and a project that I truly stand behind.

This is going to be so fun!

From the introductory post this morning over on Marvelous Kiddo:

"Beginning now and extending over the next couple of months, I will be the hostess, here on Marvelous Kiddo, of the first-ever Sakura Bloom Styleathon. Follow along with nine of the most influential, trend-setting women in the blogosphere (and their babies!) as they fire up their fashion savvy and compete to style the most fabulous, original outfits around Sakura Bloom slings and key wardrobe pieces. Here's the really fun part, and where you come in: the Styleathon is a unique, interactive event designed to spread the love to our readers, with frequent opportunities to win the same items featured by your favorite bloggers!"

There's so many more details over on Marvelous Kiddo, so hop over there and check it out!