Thoughts on New Mommyhood
Somehow a whole month has gone by since Hugo was born and my world has officially been rocked! Why don’t people tell you how hard it is to take care of a baby!? I mean I had lots of experience with babies and kids going into this so I really thought I knew what I was doing- but it seems I was wrong. I kinda figured that all I had to do was nurse and rock him and love him and that’s all it would take…there seem to be moments though when none of those things work and I feel like I am clueless. Every day I try to learn a little more about this baby and what he needs from me. I’m sure it will all get easier soon :) I sure do love that sweet boy though! Overnight it seems like he has filled out into such a chubby little thing. I die for those thigh rolls!
Anyway, shortly before Hugo was born I planned an exciting giveaway of a product that has quickly become essential to my life as a city Mom. I have been a long time lover of Petunia Picklebottom’s joyful prints and well-made products, and I knew I had to get my hands on one their diaper bags. The Sashay Satchel is amazing because not only does it look more like a purse than a diaper bag, but it can either be worn on the shoulder or as a backpack which I adore! I can’t quite handle taking the stroller on the subway yet so I typically wear Hugo in one of my baby carriers (I love the Ergo pictured here, also the K’tan wrap,) and having my diaper bag as a backpack makes a world of a difference. It’s makes me feel balanced and sturdy and I can trek all across the city with it. (though I still get nervous going too far from home- what if he needs to eat when I’m on the subway?)
I am so excited that the lovely folks at Petunia Picklebottom are giving a Sashay Satchel to one of my readers! The one I have is a beautiful quilted gray pattern called “Champes de Ellysses Stop” but the winner of the giveaway can choose from any of their beautiful patterns! (Check out all the choices including the new Spring patterns here!) Here are some favorites from the new line:
To enter the giveaway- let the widget below load (it may take a second!)
awww Hugo is becoming such a chubby lil nugget! sooooo cute!
I love the “evening in islington” print!
My wife would love the notting hill stop
Congrats! You won the giveaway! Please email me at [email protected] to claim your prize! :)
Hugo is so adorable! I am pregnant with my second and have been eying those bags since before I had my first!
I love the wandering in westbrook! Such a classic pattern!
wandering in westbrook -thanks!
I love the breakfast in berkshire!
I love the boxy backpack in central park. I am pregnant with my 4th baby right now and it seriously took me this long to realize that backpack diaper bags are a necessity! These look great!
LOVE this giveaway. what a fun idea! I am pregnant with my third + would be thrilled to have this amazing bag!
p.s. too many amazing patterns to choose from…my top choices now are:
champs-elysees stop
breakfast in berkshire
central park north stop
LOVE
Such beautiful patterns! Evening in Islington is my favorite, I think or Central Park North Stop.
Lovely bag! Hope I win!
Those bags really are adorable – although your baby is way cuter :)
Oops, didn’t realize I had to pick a pattern! Like you, I’m really drawn to the champs-elysees stop.
I love them all!
They are all so cute! I’d let my DIL pick one out for herself!
I live the solid grey one you posted on Instagram.
Oh girl, I had the same exact thoughts!!! Sleep deprivation is no joke which doesn’t help… I was like “this is so much harder than I ever imagined…. I feel like I suck at this… I’m so exhausted…” And then she started smiling and it made such Huge difference & things started to get better and better every day! Hang in there momma! You are doing an awesome job!! :) ps I’d totally love to win this bag
You are so right- the smiles are my life force right now! They had been happening in a non-responsive way but now they are so much more frequent and they make everything worth it.
It’s just hard when he’s so overtired that nothing I can do will stop the hysterical screaming! Yesterday a brisk walk around the neighborhood at 8 pm was the only thing to do! Once we figure out something that works it feels like the stumps us once again. :)
Ah motherhood!!!
This bag looks awesome. I love the Evening in Islington pattern.
Oh do many great patterns… Maybe notting hill stop?
Hugo is adorable! Thanks for the heads up on your blog. I cant wait to go through your previous posts!
The Casbah Nights satchel is very chic.
Absolutely adorable… o yea, and I would love the bag!!! ♥
I’m a little in love with the regent’s park stop satchel…or maybe the tulips?…or maybe the citron? love them all!
Breakfast in Berkshire…but all are adorable!!
I love the pattern you have! The champes de ellysses stop – gorgeous. I’d probably have to get that one if I had to choose. They’re all beautiful.
Oh my goodness, these are beautiful and I’m so in bed odd a backpack baby bag! Pick me ;-)
I LOVE the regents park stop!
Oh and either timeless tulips or picnic in Portugal
The wandering in Westbrook is cute.
Awesome giveaway. But I m more impressed by you being a city mom and doing what works for you. You are amazing and will be an awesome mom.
Alluring azaleas or minted meadows.
Oooo! I love the champs-elysees stop! What a beautiful neutral, perfect for any season!!
Isn’t it crazy how irrevocably your life changes? I had my first baby in August (a boy! – – incidentally, I was so excited when I found out you were having a boy b/c I feel such a fun connection with other mothers with boys!) and I’m amazed at how so much has changed in my heart and life. One thing I can say for sure, after 6 months, is that things that seem like they’ll last for a long time (e.g. “oh no! he’s not nursing easily!” or “I’ve gotten no sleep and feel like a zombie” or “look at that adorable sleepy butt-out, arms to his head stretch he does when he’s done feeding”) only last for a matter of weeks. I keep reminding myself of that even now, “It’s only a short season, enjoy him through each of those seasons.” Another thing I’ve learned is to not freak out when someone says, “He should be doing _____ by now…” because every single baby is so different, so it’s okay if he doesn’t start making the mmmmmmmm sound until three weeks after the email newsletter you got says he should. Or after the mom down the street says her little girl did x y z. Or after a well-meaning relative says he should. You’re rocking the mom thing, even when you feel like you aren’t! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!!
Thanks so much Jen. I really am trying to enjoy all the sweet little 5 week old things that are happening, knowing that they will be over before I know it. You’re right- that post nursing stretch is my favorite. :)
Ooh, I love Casbah nights :) Hang in there hon, it gets both easier and more difficult!
I love the picnic in portugal print. My daughter just had a baby girl about the same time Hugo was born so I would love to give this great bag to her.
I love Notting Hill Stop!
I like champs d’eleyess stop
My daughter is due on June 7 and I would love to have one of these bags for her. Congrats on your beautiful son!
I don’t think any of us are truly ready for what life has in store when a little one is born, and I think you are doing so well. Kudos to you that you have been out and about, have made new recipes, and are getting the hang of it. We all had the experience of being a new mom, with all the joys and concerns, but just keep learning about little Hugo and you’ll be just fine!
Breakfast in Berkshire would be my first choice for my daughter who just gave birth to my first grandson! Love the bag and I’m sure it would bring a lot of joy to my daughter!
Oh my goodness! How perfect are these? Wow. I would be happy with any of them (back problems!), but I like the champs-elysees stop or central park north stop. Thank you for a giveaway for something not a lot of people could afford. (Hugo is sooo handsome, love!!)
I would pick the wandering in westbrook!
We are expecting our first baby (girl!) in July and also live in New York City. Your ability to bake in a city-sized kitchen and have a baby here has been very reaffirming for me! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
I love the in notting him stop! soooo adorable and springy!
Those bags are gorgeous!!! My baby is due in June so it would be perfect if I won!! My favorite is the grey one :)
I would choose wandering in Westbrook
Ooooh this would be perfect for my own little guy due to arrive on the 4th of July! Great minds think alike…I would totally choose the gray pattern that you have :)
Pregnant with my first and on a tight grad school budget! My favorite is definitely the union square stop :)
Love the Central Park North Stop!
Dear Audra,
Congrats on hitting the one month mark with your adorable son Hugo. I adopted the “one day at a time” mentality very early on after the birth of my daughter. Being a mother to a newborn, and just a mother period, is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Just know that everyday different and wonderful, enjoy the madness!
Now with my second child due in April, sign me up for the Central park north stop pattern!
Thanks
I have my eye on the Regent’s Park Stop ;)
I’d like the citron blooms.
They’re all so great…but I think classically Crete is gorgeous (and gender neutral!)
I like the citron blooms!
Love the in lights of lisbon pattern! Very versatile and fun.
I like the one you have on! But I especially enjoy the chubster that you get to carry around!
I love the gray one…PLEASE!
I love the champs-elysees stop
You have such a beautiful baby!!!! It has been a long time since I shared the feelings of what you are experiencing today, my baby is now 20. I however am enjoying the experience of being a grandmother or should I say Nana, which believe to be even a GREATER experience!!!!!!!! I have a grandson who will be 3 years old in June and I am expecting my second grandchild in July. I hope to win this beautiful bag to give to my daughter who is doing a wonderful job parenting our grandson. There is no greater accomplishment in the life of a parent than to watch and see their children growing up into such wonderful successful people. I am so very proud of my children and their accomplishments. I would love for my daughter to win this bag and hope that she too can be a fashion trend Momma strutting her Sashay Satchel in Champs de Ellysses Stop fashion. Wishing you all the best in your parenting Baker Chick, enjoy every moment, for before you know it time will have escaped you and you will wish your little wonder was once again the beautiful little bundle you rocked and once carried.
THank you so much for the sweet comment Lisa. I think my Mom would agree with your thoughts on being a Grandparent. Hugo is her first and she is just so smitten. <3
You are doing a fab job, lady! Like Eric always tells me when I’m worried I’m doing a bad job “the fact that you’re worried about it means you’re not.” Hugo is adorable, and I hope I get to meet him this year!
PS – I love all of these, but the simple champs-elysees stop is my favorite.
Hugo is so sweet! And what awesome bags. I think Evening in Islington is my favorite, though it would really be hard to choose. The chicness of Central Park North Stop is speaking to me, too.
Thank you for all your insperation to have a natural childbirth! I’m pregnant with my second baby and it’s nice to see others have they type of birth that I wish to have with my second :)
The champs elysees is gorgeous!
I would like captivating corinth :)
I LOVE the Breakfast in Berkshire pattern. So pretty. I really need a diaper bag too I’m due in two months!
I think Petunia Picklebottom is the best! I love Breakfast in Berkshire!
I like Cental Park North!
I love breakfast in berkshire and citron blooms.. someone would have to pick between then for me! So cute. My diaper bag is ripping and has seen many better days…
Wow, such cute bags! I am such a fan of backpacks these days too, they’re so much easier to keep track of compared to a purse.
I lean toward Minted Meadows after a bit of inner debate, but Captivating Corinth is a close second!
Love those chubby cheeks!
Central park north stop
Hang in girl! It does get better…with all three babies it always took about four months to get in the swing of things. I believe mostly because they grow so rapidly and have so many changes that it’s hard to have any set schedule. They seem to have more regularities after the four month mark even those it changes at times it’s not as rapidly.
I would pick the Sashay Satchel in classically crete.
So hard to choose! I’d get the in champs elysees stop!
Darling photo of you and Hugo! I can see why you like the bags, and love their name! I wouldn’t be picky if I won, but love the Central North Park Stop, Regents Park Stop and Evening in Islington!
That is a good question. There are so many good choices. I am thinking the alluring azaleas or the breakfast in berkshire. Love the blog, btw! :)
Breakfast in Berkshire is cute.
Hugo is adorable!
The Casbah Night print is my favorite!
Hugo is adorable! And I love the bag too.
He’s going to be walking and talking by the time we see him!
So many pretty fabrics to choose from! I’d probably pick the wandering in westbrook.
Tough choice! I’d probably choose breakfast in berkshire.
What a little hunk Hugo is! That citron blooms makes me ache for spring, and yellow makes everything cheerful, even poop. Thanks for the great giveaway!
Oooh, I like “breakfast in berkshire” or “timeless tulips”
I like the lights in Lisbon
I would pick In Notthing Hill Stop. So bright and springy.
This bag really did look great on you!
…I would choose that same one. :)
I think the classically crete is beautiful!! I had my own little bundle of joy two days after your sweet Hugo was born and I am enjoying every minute too :0). Congrats to you and your husband….. and kudos to you for getting back in the kitchen so quickly!!
Such a precious little boy! Enjoy him!
I’m due in June with our 1st little girl !! :) I’ve been shopping around for a bag and haven’t found anything I like yet…I’d love the alluring azaleas.
Congratulations on your bundle of joy! It is hard but its the most rewarding job ever. Enjoy every moment!
I like the central park north stop in black.
Your baby is precious. Enjoy every minute that you can, they grow up too fast.
Thanks for the chance to win.
IN ALLURING AZALEAS
Ooooo soo many! I like central park north stop. I like to keep it simple! Also do you like the Ergo? We are looking to get one because the Moby/Solly are not too good for outdoor travel, in my opinion.
Hey girl. I do really love the Ergo. It’s very comfy on my back and Andy wears it too as it’s not as girly as some of my other carriers. :)
I love the Portugal!
Great giveaway…. I would pick evening in Islington
Sashay Satchel in Central Park North Stop – Special Edition is my favorite, thanks!
I would love the citron blossoms
I totally love the classically Crete print!
i love the central park north shop!
I love the captivating corinth color! So pretty!
The captivating corinth is my favorite!!!
http://www.petunia.com/diaper-bags/satchels/sashay-satchels/sashay-satchel-in-picnic-in-portugal
Breakfast in Berkshire is very cute and my husband would probably even hold that one for me! :)
Hugo is the cutest. It gets easier with time.
Evening in Islington looks great.
Hugo is so cute :). I really look forward to seeing his photos! Enjoy every minute – the time goes by very fast.
I love the “Wandering in Westbrook” Sashay Satchel. What a generous offer from Petunia Picklebottom!
Oh wow! I’m loving Picnic in Portugal or Citron Blooms. Decisions, decisions… What an awesome giveaway!
It gets easier!
I love the breakfast in Berkshire! Hugo is adorable!
Your baby is so cute!!
I totally love the champs-elysees stop
Hugo is adorable! I would love the captivating corinth!
Gotta love the wandering in westbrook pattern.
All the bags are beautiful and cute. I’d choose Southwest Skies!
In wandering in Westbrook.
LOVE that gray :) He is so adorable!
I love all the patterns! I would let my co-worker choose something since she’s expecting and loves this brand!
We might change our vote to citron blooms. We could use some cheer after this winter ;)
I feel like we are very much the same person… My baby is due any day now (really) and I’ve been around and taken care of kids all my life, but I’m pretty sure I’m going to have a rude awakening. I love the breakfast in berkshire design. This diaper bag sounds ideal regardless if you live in the city or not!
Eee! So excited for you. I am sending you great birthing thoughts- I know you will do great- your body is meant for this!!
And yes- it’s good that you are prepared. Knowing about babies has certainly helped, but in the past I always got to home after taking care of them…this all day every day is new (mostly wonderful) territory. :)
I would probably get Central Park North Stop. I’ve heard wonderful things about these bags.
Love the bag! Great giveaway!
Hugo is beautiful! I would probably choose Breakfast in Berkshire….it’s so Spring!
I would get the SASHAY SATCHEL
in evening in islington.. I love the red and black!!!!!
He is so SO precious! Can’t wait to meet the little man!
I also love that diaper bag. Definitely need a new one after two kids! The breakfast in Berkshire is my fav pattern!
Love the solid colors :)
I love PPB bags! Wish they were a little bit more affordable tho! I would choose the Alluring azaleas print.
Just found out we are having a girl! Would love to get the Alluring Azaleas bag!
i would love the SASHAY SATCHEL
in central park north stop – special edition!
If I was lucky enough to win, I would love the SASHAY SATCHEL in classically crete!
i would really like the breakfast in berkshire
They are all gorgeous, tough decision! If I won i’d probably choose the champs-elysees stop though, love it!
I think I would choose the casbah nights! Love them all though!
What gorgeous and suer clever bags! I love the Regent’s Park Stop and the Key Lime Cream Cake. You can tell how badly I need springtime, since I chose green! haha Thanks for such a great blog AND a wonderful giveaway! Hugo is absolutely adorable!!! :D
I love the bright red on the evening in Islington…. beautiful! Looks like a great versatile bag!
Regents park stop is my favorite
They are all so pretty!
I love the 3rd one. All are super cute but yellow is my favorite color. BB#2 will be here in less than 3 weeks!
I love the “notting hill stop” LOOOOOVE pink ;)
SASHAY SATCHEL
in central park north stop
I would love the Citron Blooms print.
I would choose the in notting hill stop, thank you!
First, I want to say #babyhugojames is such a little cutie! What a lucky little guy to have such a great mama! Second, These bags are B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L!! I think I love breakfast in berkshire the most. But its so difficult to decide! I’m also in love with the simple cuteness of champs-elysees stop. :)
I would love the Sashay Satchel in evening in islington
I like the in lights of lisbon pattern.
I have been eyeing the union square stop color for awhile! It’s one of my favorite colors!
Thanks for the awesome give away!
I really love Champs élysées stop and Evening in Islington.
I would like Evening in Islington. So pretty!
I’d choose Captivating Corinth (or Minted Meadows).
My little guy just turned 3 months – just wait until he looks into your eyes and smiles! Best feeling in the world. :)
Hi Audra, Sweet picture of Hugo! I have been very busy lately and missed this post. Audra….as soon as you figure Hugo out….he will change…just the way it is! Lol but you can do it! Again great photo. Both of my children happen to be adopted…they are 26 and 20 now…still changing! Welcome to Motherhood! The best to you and yours! Pat B