In just a week or two, we will be welcoming a new little one into our extended family - and so all things baby have been on my brain! In fact a few days ago, I was the plus-one on the hospital tour, the only woman in our group who wasn't sporting a ripe bump - ha. As we stopped to observe the sweet newborns in the hospital nursery, I couldn't help squeeze back a few sentimental tears as it reminded me of my own four delivery experiences.

Over the last several months, there's been much discussion in our house about what this new little family member will need, emotionally and physically. And of course we've talked about how the baby has been developing in utero, a topic I've always found very meaningful to discuss with my children.

With all this "babyness" going on in our family, receiving an advance copy of 9 Months: A month by month guide to pregnancy by Courtney Adamo and Esther van de Paal could not have arrived at a better time! The book is beautifully illustrated and portrays pregnancy with an accurate, straight forward approach on how a baby grows in his/her mama's belly. It's really wonderful how the ladies have pulled so much information (that you'd usually need to cull from pregnancy books, parenting websites, and hospital pamphlets) into one easy to read book.

When I sat down to read it with my children, my youngest (age 2) was drawn to the colorful pictures, while my eldest (age 10) enjoyed learning the tidbits on animal pregnancies that's also included. The topic of conception can often make children (and parents!) feel a little uneasy - but Courtney and Esther have brilliantly addressed it matter-of-factly while still leaving room for parents to skirt the topic of sex if they haven't yet had that discussion with their children.

Parents will appreciate having this resource to prepare their children for a new sibling, but I also think 9 Months is a book for every family to have - whether a new baby is on the way or not. You can find it in the shop here. 

 Sav

Hello! My name is Kelly Fondots, I have a wonderful and supportive husband named Anthony, and together we are raising our three amazing children- Greysen (5), Sebastian (3), and Ivy Scout (8.5 months) in San Diego, CA. We believe in spontaneous trips, park picnics, and the importance of family meals together every Sunday.

I was born here in San Diego, CA and my children are fifth generation "locals." I had Grey at a young age, and I dove into motherhood with the idea that we both needed each other very strongly. I wanted to do what was best for the new tiny person person in my life, which for me, meant nursing, wooden/bpa-free toys (which in 2008 were not as popular as they are now), co-sleeping, and baby-led weaning, etc.

I felt a sense of peace with myself at the path I had chosen, and knew instantly that motherhood was what I was meant to do-- it was effortless and felt so natural. I have a fullness in my heart that is a bit overwhelming at times-- in the best way possible. Our family love is raw and true, blessed beyond measure. My confidence lies within my children, but has also grown as we all grow with each other. I wouldn't have it any other way!

I was so excited when Kari and Annie asked me to be a Brimful brand enthusiast for their shop! I had ordered Ivy a few Christmas gifts last year and was so appreciative of their customer service, and equally as happy with their well-curated, eco-friendly shop. They are both stylish and whole people that I knew instantly that their shop wouldn't disappoint. 

A few items I am loving from Brimful:

Cozy Mouse Teether - Ivy has used this teether since she was three months old and it’s still a constant favorite around here. Bonus is the rattle inside and softness!

Wooden Baby Maracas - We love music in this household and think these maracas would be a super added bonus to the three piece band we already have going on. 

Wooden Ring Stacker - All three kids are using this item. I love that it is all wood, and that Ivy can’t choke on the rings. Grey is teaching Seb how to count, and Seb is teaching Ivy how to sort. It’s great!

Juliette Rabbit - We love stuffies and you can never go wrong with organic fleece. 

Melamine spoons - These melamine spoons we are using are so cute and the colors are great.

Mama and Baby! - We love this book! The pages are baby-proof, meaning Ivy can “read” without a sibling worrying about her tearing the pages.

The Swing - This is also a current favorite, with such beautiful the illustrations...it's a second teether for Ivy :).