My Favorite Baby Registry Items

One of the most overwhelming things during pregnancy was navigating ALL OF THE BABY THINGS and figuring out what the heck to put on my registry. Mommas… can I get an amen?

I vividly remember sitting at the dinner table with some close friends who started talking about BuyBuyBaby, and how it was this awesome place where they had so many baby products “out in real life” so you can touch, feel, and get a sense for a product before you bought it. It sounded like Disneyland for new moms, and I was super excited to check out this mysterious place.

And then I got there. And oh my, I felt a mix of… “This is so cool” and “I’m totally overwhelmed.” I was there for three hours and honestly didn’t know the difference between Britax, Chicco, UPPAbaby… which one to get? I had to put just one carseat on the registry, so how do you choose? And will I really need a bottle warmer? Wipe warmer? Help a momma out!

These are the products that turned out to be my beloved, most fav products during Gracie’s first year:

Here are additional favorite products from the KLP community:

  • The Snoo

  • The Owlet

  • Wubanub

  • Halo Sleep Sacks

  • Blackout curtains

  • Cloth diapers for burb cloths

  • Lavender essential oil

  • Butt Paste

Happy registry building, mommas! Try not to do what I did and spend hours upon hours researching… research a little, and then go with whichever makes you happier <3

If you’d like a “non-traditional” baby item to add to your registry, let’s get baby photos on the list! Check out my Baby Plans for a mix of maternity + baby photo options. xoxo



Lincoln Griffith | Natural Light Inland Empire Newborn Session

As an Inland Empire and Orange County family photographer, it’s been an honor to photograph this sweet family from the very beginning. From their first session when their little girl turned 1, to fall family sessions, to today as they welcomed their little boy into the family, it’s been amazing to be by their side and document these early years!

Welcome to the world, Lincoln! You hit the family jackpot.

“It’s true what they say: your heart only grows bigger when you are blessed with a second child. This little man has stolen mommy’s heart (& sleep!) in a way I never knew possible.

It has also brought me a deepened love and admiration of my little girl as she embraces her role as big sister, and of my husband as he keeps me supported and sane as my teammate and partner. Taking on two kids is a whirlwind and has shifted our lives and routines, but there is so much love and fun that has come from Lincoln joining the Griffith family!

A huge thank you to the most incredible photographer, Kristen, for capturing the sweet moments of our new journey as a family of 4!” - Erin Griffith, Lincoln’s momma

Interested in booking a newborn session?



Dear Newborn Momma

Dear Newborn Momma,

I see you. Oh, I see you. Especially you, first-time momma. If I could sweep you up in a big hug, bring you coffee, dinner, and a slice of cake, I’d be there in a heartbeat.

Let me tell you something…

You’re doing great. It gets better. And yes, it really is this hard.

Gosh, those words - “You’re doing great” and “It gets better” were lifelines for me in the first few months of motherhood. And I remember I kept thinking, “Ok, is it just me? Or is this newborn thing HARD?”

I still don’t really know how to describe that transition to motherhood other than the feeling like there was this whole other world that I thought I knew a little about, but I didn’t really understand it until I was in it. So if you’re feeling that same, “Why didn’t anyone tell me what it’s really like?” or, “Is it just me?” I feel you. And don’t worry, it’s ok to find yourself missing that pre-baby life (solo Target runs, sleeping in, gym classes whenever you’d like, sleep, the ability to leave the house without a crazy amount of planning… did I say sleep?). I feel you. Your life dramatically changed overnight, so don’t diminish that! Take it all day by day, coffee by coffee, nap by nap.

For those of you who are breastfeeding, HANG IN THERE! It was a very painful first 2 months for me, and then it got better. IT GETS BETTER! I know not everyone can breastfeed, and that’s totally ok. If you can, I hope you try and know that there will be a time that it’s actually enjoyable. And maybe we’ll miss it someday? Probably :)

One day your body will feel like your own again. One day you will sleep longer than 2 hours at a time. One day schedules and routines will come.

For now? Hang in there. Order Postmates. Be kind to yourself. ASK FOR HELP. I think that’s one of the best-kept secrets that I wish wasn’t so secret… no one can do it all. No mom can do it all, so just don’t make yourself feel like you have to, k? Be kind and loving to yourself. You are keeping another human alive and that is freakin’ amazing.

And yes, you’ll probably roll your tired, sleepy eyes when I say this, but try to savor these moments. Savor their teeny tiny bodies, the way they just melt into you, the way they smell, how they just sit there taking in their world (you’ll miss that stationary baby :) ), because soon enough months will go by and you’ll be scrolling back at the thousands of pictures on your phone thinking… how were you that small? Where did my baby go? It goes by in a blink.

Now go take a nap, or strap that baby in the stroller and get some fresh air. I’ll catch ya on the playground soon enough.

xoxo,

8-Month Momma

My baby at 4 weeks. Cue all the tears.

My baby at 4 weeks. Cue all the tears.

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Wyatt Turns One | 1 Year Cake Smash Session

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This little guy was SO smiley this morning! I've known him since he was born, and it's been so amazing to watch him grow over his first year of life. You've got some amazing parents, little dude, and I know you're going to have so much fun in your years ahead. We had a great time with his one year photo session, complete with a cake smash, of course!

Happy happy birthday, Wyatt!

Interested in a cake smash session or celebratory photo session? Get in touch and let's plan the perfect one :)

Cora's First Beach Trip | Corona Del Mar Beach Family Session

I think Corona Del Mar beach sessions might be my new favorite thing.

Some of our best friends came in for a way-too-quick 20 hour stay before they ventured on for the rest of their vacation. They arrived in the afternoon, got settled at our place, and then we headed to Corona Del Mar Beach for an impromptu beach family session to celebrate Cora's first time by the ocean! She was a little unsure about the water and sand, but was a trooper if we held her and I think one day will come to love it.

Kevin and I loved having them in our home, experiencing Cora's first beach trip, witnessing Tara and PJ love each other and love little Cora in such a strong way, and just experiencing so much of Jesus in the way they live. We're missing them so much already, and trying to think of ways to convince these Idaho friends that California is waaaay better. :)

Interested in a having your own Southern California beach family session? Send me a note and let's make it happen!