Shop What to Wear for Newborn Family Photos

I wanted to share what to wear during newborn photos!

We did newborn photos with Lilly Ryann when she was 7 days old and still really sleepy. I remember doing Brooks’ newborn photos when he was 13 days old and he was so awake it made it more challenging! If you have the choice, I recommend doing photos early.

It’s hard to believe that our sweet Lilly Ryann is here and has completed our family of four! Brooks’ is absolutely in love with his baby sister as he refers to her as “baby Lilly”. He is always giving her hugs, kisses, pounding fists, and practicing tummy time with her. We couldn’t have asked for a better transition going from 1 to 2. We feel so truly blessed! To all of you mamas out there it’s SO MUCH easier going from 1 to 2 than 0 to 1, I promise you!

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Photography by – Irina Chepko

The post What to Wear for Newborn Family Photos appeared first on Simply Maryashley.

After having baby number two, I wanted to update this post and give you a list of what you truly only need to take to the hospital!

With each baby, we stayed in the hospital for two nights, so if you know you will be staying longer, just double the outfits.

With COVID-19 still around we weren’t able to have any visitors and mom is not allowed to leave the room! Dad can come and go, but can only go outside the hospital property once. With that being said I highly recommend packing your own water bottles, since you can’t come and go to the water/ice machine anymore.

We also did Uber Eats for lunches and dinners, so if you’re local and delivering at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia here are our favorites! Flower Child for lunch and The One Sushi for dinner!

So there you have it, everything you need to pack for for mom, dad, and baby!

What’s in my Hospital Bag

For Mom

• Paperwork from OBGYN
• Labor and Delivery gown
• Insurance Card and ID
• A cardboard envelope to safely store the hand and foot prints and any other memorabilia.
  • The prints are done right on stickers at the hospital, so you do not need to bring your baby book page(s).
• Snacks (oatmeal for breakfast / your favorite snacks / and order Uber Eats for lunch and dinner)
  • The nurse staff will bring you hot water in a cup so you can mix your own oatmeal. I would eat about 3 of these a day. You are absolutely starving after delivery and during the first few days of breastfeeding and oatmeal is a wonderful and easy solution!
• Yeti + water bottles + fresh sliced lemons
  • You are not able to leave the room, so if you want water you have to ask a nurse. I recommend bringing a large pack of water bottles so you can have water whenever you want.
• Your own ‘diapers’ I prefer these over the ones they provide you in the hospital!! Again, the hospital will provide mom everything she needs, I just prefer these!!
• Your own pillow (2 pack for $5!)
• My Breast Friend – Nursing Pillow
• 2 pair of your favorite PJs
• 2 Nursing Bras
• Nursing pads
• 1 Nursing Tank
• Toiletries (toothbrush, face wash, moisturizer, and deodorant)
• Makeup bag
• Curling wand
• Moms on Call
• 12 ft iPhone charger
• Extension cord
• Going home outfit + shoes

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For Dad

• His own pillow (2 pack for $5!)
• Twin sheet set (under $10!)
• Toiletries (toothbrush and deodorant)
• 2 comfy outfits
  • Zippered hoodie and sweat pants for skin to skin time and sleep.
• 3 pair of boxers
• Baseball cap
• Yeti
• Book
• Bluetooth speaker for music
  • We never had time for tv with either baby, but had music going whole time
• Going home outfit and shoes

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For Baby

• Diaper Bag to pack things in

• Hatch baby sound machine
• 1 hospital bassinet photo outfit
  • blanket for base of bassinet, onesie, hat or bow, and name sign

• Hat
• Pair of socks
• Lovie
• Pacifier if staying longer than 48 hours
• Going home outfit
  • In 2 different sizes
• Car seat brought into the hospital once we are moved to post room
• Car seat base installed

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You can view my original post HERE that I published before Brooks was born. 

Please reach out to me HERE if you have any questions! I wish you and your family all the best and enjoy it all!

“Today is not forever.” – Louis Auchincloss

Photos by the talented – Irina Chepko

Inspired, Maryashley

The post What’s in My Hospital Bag – Round 2! appeared first on Simply Maryashley.

When I was planning our maternity session, I knew I wanted it to include our whole family! With Brooks just turning two I wanted it to capture him as a toddler and as an excited big brother. We landed on shooting at Piedmont Park and it was an unseasonably hot October day, but oh so beautiful and sunny!

We’re so excited to complete our family and meet our sweet baby girl, Lilly Ryann, in just a few short months!

The Details

 Maternity Dress and Earrings:

Photography: Irina Chepko

Location: Piedmont Park in Atlanta, GA.

Shop Similar Looks Here

Inspired, Maryashley

The post Our Maternity and Family Photo Session appeared first on Simply Maryashley.

When I was pregnant with Brooks, I noticed a red spot that appeared on my forehead. I honestly thought it was a dry patch thinking nothing of it. With my diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes, Carpel Tunnel, Plantar Fasciitis, and Arthritis, I thought maybe this was just something else that popped up during pregnancy that would go away after delivery. Well everything went away mere days after delivery…except for this spot. Still not thinking much of it I asked my sister about it over Christmas break. She immediately responded, “Please go and see your dermatologist when you get home.”

I had my first full body skin check when we were trying to get pregnant with Brooks. Still, I was certain it was nothing. I went in to get it looked at the first week of January and they took a biopsy. They said they would call me in a week. I didn’t hear from them at the week mark, so I called the office. The nurse called me back saying my results came back and the doctor needed some time to review the results. I was starting to get nervous and called my sister probably 100 times that day.

She called the office on my behalf asking that they get back to me. It wasn’t until the next evening they called while I was playing with Brooks at home alone. The nurse asked if I was able to talk about my results. I said yes with Brooks giggling and playing in the background. She said you have skin cancer… My heart sank. I never thought it would happen to me. She was so informative and booked my Mohs surgery for the next week right then and there. My parents were already planning on coming to town to visit us and see Brooks so they just extended their trip and my mom came with me to surgery. I was so glad to have so much going on the week before to keep my mind off of it.

I got to the office at 8:30am and was out of there by 11:30am. For those of you that don’t know anything about the surgery (like me) here’s what happens. The doctor starts by taking what they see. They then look at the skin under the microscope to see if they have clear boarders. If they do they stop and stitch you up. They came back and said mine was tested positive so they had to take more. Luckily for me it was wide, but not very deep. This means we caught it early. The doctor went in for two layers and the second layer came back negative. They got it all. The doctor stitched me up with two layers of stitches: an interior layer that dissolves and and exterior layer that will be removed 2 weeks later.

If I have any advice to give, it would be to put your AirPods in to drown out the noise of them cutting away at your skin. That was truly the worst part. They numb you up with several rounds of shots, but the first round is the worst because you aren’t numb yet. The other rounds you are already numb and you are welcoming all the numbing at that point. I was sad to know it just lasted for a couple of hours. In between the first and second rounds of surgery I had to pump. #mommode.

When we were done I was still numb so my mom and I went out to lunch at my favorite spot Flower Child. I really started to feel the pain on the way home! And it continued for the next couple of days. What helped? Taking 1,000mg of Tylenol every 6 hours. You can’t take Advil or your Prenatal vitamins because it could increase the bleeding. I’m six days in and the scar looks great and the pain has subsided and I’m only taking Tylenol once a day.

I felt called to share this to say please go and get a skin check every year. Let me know if you are in the Atlanta area and need a good dermatologist! I love mine.

I wanted to keep this post light hearted and informative so I’ve teamed up with my absolute favorite spray tan studio in Atlanta, True Glow, to give away a MONTH of free spray tans + a bottle of their Hydrating & Bronzing Face and Neck Mist. Comment on this Instagram post to enter!

Products I love!

Who’s joining me in the shade?

Inspired, Maryashley

The post My Skin Cancer Diagnosis + My Favorite Products appeared first on Simply Maryashley.

When I was planning our maternity session, I knew I wanted it to be as special as this pregnancy has been! I quickly reached out to our wedding photographer, Alea Moore, and my hair and makeup artist, Shannon Jennings to start planning. I knew I felt comfortable with both of them and trusted them to capture the magic!

People always told me that they loved being pregnant…I honestly didn’t know how anyone could say that until now! When we decided to start trying, I was full of fear and all of the unknowns filled my mind. I know this is so normal and is the case for so so many! Even though it hasn’t been easy and there have been some unexpected bumps along the way (hello gestational diabetes, carpel tunnel, and planter fasciitis), this pregnancy has been so magical and something I’ve treasured!! Every day I wake up and say, wow I can’t believe I still feel so good! I’ve stayed active and busy throughout and it’s truly FLYING by. I’m 32 weeks pregnant in these photos.

With my incredible husband by my side we are so excited to meet our baby boy!

• Photography: Alea Moore Photography
• Hair and Makeup Artist: Shannon Jennings
• Non-Maternity Dress: Linked here
• Custom Dress Shirt: HKT Custom Clothiers
• Location: Cator Woolford Gardens

Inspired, Maryashley

The post Our Maternity Photo Session appeared first on Simply Maryashley.

If you’ve been around for a while you probably know I’m a planner! The doctor always laughs and says I hope you brought your pencil today, not a sharpie! I would love to live in a sharpie world, but know that isn’t realistic. Since you don’t know exactly when your baby will come into this world I told myself I wanted to be packed and ready to go by 35 weeks. Well fast forward and I’m now 38 weeks with things lying out in our bedroom, but not packed. Y’all I can’t bring myself to pull the trigger. It’s like it makes this whole thing that much more real I guess? Did you feel this way? I’m so curious to know!

During this pregnancy, I did a ton of research on what to pack, read numerous blogs, and talked to my sister and other friends that recently had babies. The list below is everything mama, daddy, and baby need without over packing! I’ve been told the hospital gives you lots of things, so take full advantage! You know we’re paying for it in the long run anyway!

Here we go! Let’s hope all of this gets packed up and placed in our car this weekend! You never know when baby B will make his appearance. My doctors seem to think it will be sooner rather than later!

For Mom 

• ID
• Insurance Card
• Labor gown (I wanted my own labor gown and bought this one)
• Plastic bag or an empty packing cube for dirty clothes (we’re using these)
• Nursing Bras and these
• Nursing pads + nipple butter
• Nursing tanks
• Nursing cover (I bought two carseat covers that can be used as a nursing cover too!)
• My Breast Friend Nursing Pillow
• Your favorite PJ’s (I’m packing these and these)
• Loungewear (I’m packing these pants and a couple of these breastfeeding friendly tops)
• Lightweight robe (I’m packing this one gifted to me by PinkBlush)
• Makeup bag
• Diabetes Set (since I have Gestational Diabetes and will have to check my blood sugars throughout delivery they recommend I bring my own for comfort. Obviously they will have one if you forget)
• Medications (Tylenol / Zantac / Routine Medications / Prenatal Vitamin / Colace / MiraLAX)
• Chapstick
• Face wash / face wipes
• Travel size (shampoo, conditioner, and body wash)
• Dry shampoo
• Hair spray
• Contacts and Contact solution
• Eye glasses
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush + toothpaste
• Non-scented lotion (one the baby arrives you will want to be fragrance free)
• Towel (shower and face towels from home. I hear the hospital towels are tiny and rough)
• Portable Fan (We’re packing the one we will use for the baby’s stroller)
• 2-night lights (The hospital lighting is super bright so we will use night light to get around instead of turning on those florescent lights).
• Shower sandals
• Comfy socks with grips
• Slippers (I packed a pair from a past hotel stay, so I can dispose them at the end of our stay)   
• Curling wand (or whatever makes you feel like yourself)
• 12 ft iPhone charger (since you will be tied to the bed most of your stay)
• Yeti with Metal Straw + fresh lemons (there is a refrigerator in our room so feel free to pack fresh produce. Not sure I could live without my fresh lemons!)
• Snacks (we made a Trader Joe’s run for all of my favorite things)
• Basket – to keep all the little things organized in the room. This was a recommendation from my sweet friend Elizabeth. There are so many little things you need to access and want out on your hospital table and when the nurses come to check on you you have to move them all out of the way! This way you can keep all your things in a basket and quickly move them out of the way. This is why we’re friends!!
• Going home outfit and Shoes

For Dad

• ID
• Day time outfits
• Loungewear (zippered hoodie for skin to skin time)
• Boxers
• Baseball cap
• Socks
• Shower shoes / flip flops
• iPhone charger + extension cord (or you can buy two 12ft iPhone chargers)
• Outlet plug adapter (to plug multiple items in at once)
• Bluetooth speaker
• Apple TV
• Camera / charger / tripod
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shower items)
• Snacks
• Yeti
• Book
• Shower towel
• Twin sheet set
• Pillows

For Baby

• Diaper Bag to pack his things in
• Car seat base installed in your car
• Car seat (bring this into the hospital once you are moved to the postpartum room)
• Wooden name plate for photos
• Love love
• 2 swaddles
• 1 blanket
• Monogram hat
• Booties
• Socks
• Going home outfit (pack 2 different sizes. I love these two outfits.)

P.S. I’ve heard it was recommended to have your bedroom set up before you leave for the hospital. So, I created a postpartum, snack, and diapering station in our bedroom since he will be in a bassinet for a couple of months. Here’s what I included.

Mamas let me know if I’m missing anything!

Here we go!

Inspired, Maryashley

The post What’s in My Hospital Bag appeared first on Simply Maryashley.

When I got pregnant I knew I would be living in dresses! Luckily I was pregnant during the Spring and Summer months so this wasn’t hard to pull off! 98% of things that I purchased were non maternity, however have been so lucky to partner with some amazing maternity brands for some maternity options!

Sharing my favorite pieces from my favorite maternity brands! They are comfortable, yet fashionable and can be worn even after baby arrives!

PinkBlush – PinkBlush carries a large variety of maternity and non maternity women’s fashions. This has definitely been one of my go to shops during this pregnancy from #OOTD, swim suites, to maternity shoot dresses they’ve got you covered! 

The PinkBlush items linked in this blog post have been gifted to me, but all options are my own.

My other go to maternity brands have been Hatch, A Pea in the Pod, and asos!

I get asked about where I find my dresses, so I’ve linked all of the maternity and non-maternity pieces I’ve worn during this pregnancy!  

Maternity Dresses

Non-Maternity Dresses

What did you live in during your pregnancy?

Inspired, Maryashley

The post Favorite Maternity Brands appeared first on Simply Maryashley.

Valentine’s Day is this week y’all! Still trying to find the perfect gift for that special someone?

Surprise her with this beautiful “First Impression” 100% silk scarf! The beautiful pink, navy, and white silk scarf was designed by my talented friend Cynthia from Darling Down South and Hannah Betzel right here in Atlanta. Dress up your look with this one of a kind piece.  

Get 20% off when you use the code LOVELYLADY. 10% of all proceeds go to Cool Girls Inc., which works to develop young girls into confident women through education and exposure to a broader world of opportunity.

Consider your Valentine’s Day shopping done!

Inspired, Maryashley

The post The Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift for Her appeared first on Simply Maryashley.

I went to sleep last night telling myself I wasn’t going to shop the Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale, but y’all I couldn’t resit!

When Lilly Pulitzer goes on sale it’s good! I mean their pieces are timeless and I’ve enjoyed every dress, shirt, pant, and swimsuit season after season! I think one of my favorite prints so far has been On Parade. What has been your favorite print?

What I’ve bought so far!

I just purchased the Zadie Maxi Dress and I’m so excited! I’m going to Charleston in February with my mom and sister, so I’m hoping for more sunshine and warmer weather!

I also keep going back and forth on the Devina Dress, do I need this little number too? Head over over to my Instagram @simplymaryashley and let me know what you think! Give me a yes girl, or hold off!

I have it, you need it!

Inspired, Maryashley

The post Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale appeared first on Simply Maryashley.

Vive & Bloom

I remember turning 30 and thinking, I really need to step up my skin care routine! Since then I’ve tried numerous products, each leaving me unsatisfied for different reasons! They either left my skin too dry, the product was too expensive, it burned my eyes, or it was loaded with yucky chemicals!

One day I received a personal email asking if I would try a face wash. I was eager to try anything, and without knowing much about the product I said yes to trying it!

Then the product came, and I saw that the face wash was an oil! I immediately thought, how will using an oil clean my face? With a face full of makeup, I gave my new organic face wash a try!

The fresh scent of orange hit my nose and to my surprise it cleansed my face leaving it soft and dewy! Y’all, I’m hooked! I recommend using the organic Vive & Bloom face wash with a wash cloth and warm water every night!

My favorite part is that Vive & Bloom is organic, vegan, contains no chemicals, no fillers, no parabens, and no sulfates. The ingredient list is short, but the results are amazing!

When I met Kristen, The Vive & Bloom founder, she let me in on a couple of beauty secrets and I had to share!

Beauty Tip

Put a little Vive & Bloom face wash on the end of a bristle-tipped mascara applicator and scrub your dry lips to remove the dead skin. The next time your at the cosmetic counter grab an extra, simply for this reason! You’ll thank me later!

Now that I’ve shared, I have to know your favorite beauty tip! Share in the comments below!

Inspired, Maryashley

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