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Spent some time at one of my favorite places in th Spent some time at one of my favorite places in the world earlier this week, with some of my favorite people, and it was so dang good for the soul 🌸 more flowering tree and shrub content comin at you this week just because! Also...⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
🌿 Mini Gifting 🌿⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
A little thank you for supporting me!! I’m gifting a personally curated gardening package to one winner, all you have to do is follow me @christinemcovino and my other account @christineandcoliving, then head to my stories for the rest of the entry instructions 🥳
Happy national gardening day 🌱🌸 may you have Happy national gardening day 🌱🌸 may you have a bountiful crop this year, whatever you grow! ((Peony tip: feed early-emerging shoots with a high phosphorus fertilizer for strong, lush blooms!)). Find more gardening tips on the blog, link is in my bio 🌿
Liam ♡ In an alternate universe we would be cele Liam ♡ In an alternate universe we would be celebrating your first birthday. You should be crawling around, playing, laughing and eating too much cake today.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
You should be here.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
My sweet boy I miss you more than words, I ache to hold you. We walked the orchard and planted flower seeds in your memory. We got winks from you in the form of the earth waking up, all the yellow blooms, including your magnolia which couldn’t have had better timing. It’s comforting to see you say hi.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
And still, you should be here.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
He was here for a time. He existed. He mattered. He deserves to be celebrated.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
I loved him from the second I saw the +test. I fell deeper in love every time I saw his energetic body bounce around on the ultrasound screen, I have all the blissful bump photos and I have the memory of his sweet little kicks. God I miss those kicks.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
My love did not end when he died.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
Liam’s ashes, a few scan photos, my memory and an index card with his footprints are all that remains. I both hate that this is all I have left and am eternally grateful that I have them at all.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
I found some comfort today but these anniversaries are also hard. I relive the trauma. The terror, shock, fear, disbelief, agony of being told your baby is dying. So deep and so crushing. Part of me died in that moment, part of me will never be the same again.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
There is nothing in this world more painful than living without your baby. You feel the heaviness, the absence, the longing for them constantly. The grief is always there, it ebbs and flows but it changes you to your core. You adapt to feeling the constant emptiness, your aching heart, your soft but heavy eyes, the shortness of your breath, that lump in your throat.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
And yet, I feel immensely fortunate to have carried you for every moment of your life. I will never regret the time we spent together, loving you, carrying you, feeling you, celebrating you and envisioning the life you would have had. I will carry the insatiable longing to hold you until the day I die. You will always be my baby. You will always be missed. I will never stop loving and mothering you, my sweet Liam James ❤️
How did we do with the bow!? It’s growing on me How did we do with the bow!? It’s growing on me I think 🥰😍
April 3, 2021 • just us this Easter weekend 💗 April 3, 2021 • just us this Easter weekend 💗
I’m not quite sure how she turned 5 months in th I’m not quite sure how she turned 5 months in the blink of an eye 🥺 My Elora. We are doing great ❤️ we’re nursing and bedsharing and babywearing and contact napping and I’m literally soaking in every moment with her. Months 4 and 5 have been the best yet. My body knows what to do and I follow her cues. We’re super in tune and I feel like it’s making both of us happier humans.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
There is this unspoken narrative in our society that somehow attachment between mom and baby is a weakness, a crutch. I say f that, it’s one of the most beautiful strengths that exists in this universe. Period.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
Mama if you’re reading this and need some validation or reassurance, I got you. It’s ok to cuddle and rock and nurse and sing your baby to sleep. Follow your instincts, tune out the noise, feel empowered in your motherly intuition and find your confidence in that. It is so incredibly liberating.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
I know it’s a confusing landscape out there for new moms, I hear you, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and stress that you’re not doing something “right” or that your baby is “broken.” I’m not saying motherhood is easy for me, it’s the hardest (and best) thing I’ve ever done, but when women have the support they actually need and feel empowered in motherhood, that’s next-level world-changing stuff.⁣⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
Mama knows best, never forget it ❤️
Pregnancy after loss (PAL). Wrapping up this month Pregnancy after loss (PAL). Wrapping up this month of #pregnancyafterloss awareness by answering my two most asked questions ——⁣⁣⠀
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How did I know I was ready to try again and how did I survive my PAL?⁣⁣⠀
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Well friend, I have no definitive answer for you. I don’t know how I knew I was “ready,” I just knew I desperately wanted to be pregnant again, and I do not know how I survived.⁣⁣⠀
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Contrary to what I thought prior to having my own PAL experience, I was not “better” or “healed” or “over” my baby’s death once pregnant again. I think the only thing I could do was lean into the conflicting feelings and accept that they coexist for me (grief and joy, for example).⁣⁣⠀
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I want to share with you the two thoughts that did help ——⁣⁣⠀
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1. We were not replacing our baby (Liam), we were adding a sibling. Luca would be a big brother, as would Liam. My heart would expand for another child, not an “instead” child. Truly believing and accepting this was very helpful to me in my moments of guilt.⁣⁣⠀
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2. This was the most profound realization for me: That I would love this baby whether she lived or died. How did I know this? Because the grief I feel for Liam is love. I love my babies from the moment I know they exist. So during my PAL I thought, if this baby died too it wouldn’t change that love. I embraced and accepted that. I think it’s actually what allowed me to take these maternity pictures two weeks before she was born. It wasn’t hope, it was that I loved her and would want to remember our time together either way.⁣⁣⠀
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So maybe that is how I was able to survive. One day at a time, one thought at a time, facing the hard truths, embracing the pain of loss. Because, I’ll be honest, hope was hard for me.⁣⁣⠀
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Do I have magical advice? No. PAL was hard, it was a shitstorm of emotions and I feel like I just held on for dear life. Do whatever you have to do to survive, just know you are not crazy for the feelings. You are human 🤍

More resources can be found in my PAL highlights, reels and on my blog (link in bio) under ‘baby loss.’
This sweet babe is growing so fast!⁣⁣⠀
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Our beautiful @shoplovedua bassinet has been one of our most used baby items this time around! Functional and timeless, it is an item that grows with your babe, AND it’s discounted 25% today — head over to their page to shop 🥳⁣⁣⠀
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📷: @mymotherhoodstory
Growing through it 🌿 I was thinking back and re Growing through it 🌿 I was thinking back and reflecting on the past 365 days this morning. It’s been a rollercoaster to say the least.⁣⁣⠀
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Early March 2020 I found out I was pregnant again after back to back losses. I was hopeful and relieved but also doubtful, disconnected and terrified. I spoke in “ifs” not “whens.” I felt guilt and resentment and anger but also was so incredibly grateful.⁣⁣⠀
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We were quickly approaching Liam’s edd in April, a time that I deeply dreaded, and not even one week later went into full lock down pandemic mode.⁣⁣⠀
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I was a total wreck. Things felt veryyy out of control and uncertain.⁣⁣⠀
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I did the only thing I could do, I focused on what I could control. I continued therapy, started using tools like essential oils to help me stay grounded + present and threw myself full force into gardening.⁣⁣⠀
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I quite literally and physically GREW through my anxiety, pain and grief last year. My garden kept me grounded and sane and helped me feel connected to my body and my heart, out in the garden was one of the only places I felt safe letting my mind wander and imagine a living baby in my arms.⁣⁣⠀
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Growing veggies and flowers for my family was within my control and was exactly what I needed in this situation of heavy uncertainty — uncertainty both within myself and in the world.⁣⁣⠀
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March 2020 and March 2021 Christines are very different, I’ve realized the journey isn’t TO healing, healing IS the journey, it’s doesn’t ever end. I’m proud of where I’m at and humbled to think about where I’ve come from 💗
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Christine Covino

- The Blog -

New Baby Holiday Gift Guide

November 9, 2018 / Gift Guides, Mom & Baby

Do you have a new baby or are expecting? Check out this new baby holiday gift guide with unique, but practical gift ideas for your special bundle of joy!

Yay! I am so excited to bring you my specially curated New Baby Holiday Gift Guide! This list is full of classic gifts perfect for little ones or expectant parents. I tried to find special, keepsake items from small shops as well as easy-shipping retailers like Nordstrom and Amazon Prime. You will surely find something you’ll love on this new baby holiday gift guide!

1 // Lovevery Activity Play Mat

Luca LOVES this mat, we have been using it since birth and it has been one of our most used items. I love how interactive this mat is and there is something for every developmental phase, especially during baby’s first year. They also include a super informative month-by-month guide on how to help your baby use the mat! (Amazon, $140)

2 // Terry Velour Hooded Bath Towel

How cute is this duck towel? Or really any animal bath towel on a baby? Hooded elephant or lamb or giraffe?? Yes please!! (Nordstrom, $36)

3 // Chenille Blanket for Baby

Let’s be real, the softer the blanket the better! This one is super soft, made of chenille and it comes in pink or blue as well! It makes the perfect gift for a new baby! (Nordstrom, $35)

4 // Cuddle & Kind Hand-Knit Doll

I love these dolls and I love the mission and sweet family behind this company! They donate 10 meals to children in need for every doll sold. There’s a few options (Luca has Stella the Polar Bear) and sizes! (Nordstrom, $52-$75)

5 // Sophie ‘La Girafe’ Bath Toy

Everyone (or every baby) loves Sophie! And I had no idea about the bath toy version, I think it’s adorable and it is of course made of organic rubber like the other Sophies! (Nordstrom, $20)

6 // Finn + Emma Wood Rattle Teether

Or really anything from Finn + Emma! I love this shop so much – we have bibs, toys and clothes from them and they are some of the highest quality/cutest I’ve come across yet! Sign up for their newsletter and save 5%! (Finnandemma.com, $12)

7 // Hooded Bunting for Baby

Perfect for the colder months surrounding the holidays! Plus how cute with those little ears on the hood!? (Nordstrom, $45)

8 // Mini & Meep Organic Cotton Onesie

This is my absolute favorite small shop for onesies! Their clothes are made here in the US and they use 100% organic cotton. Not to mention the designs are one-of-a-kind hand-painted designs!

9 // Pottery Barn Kids Personalized Llama Plush Rocker

HOW CUTE!? Pottery Barn Kids has a bunch of little rockers like this but I’m obsessed with this Llama because it’s the theme of Luca’s nursery – you don’t see llamas everywhere and I think this rocker is super unique! (Pottery Barn, $189)

10 // Little Unicorn Muslin Blanket 3-Pack

I have tons of these muslin blankets and they have proven to be SO useful throughout all seasons! I chose this pack specifically because they are farm-themed! (Nordstrom, $38)

11 // Wooden Activity Cube

Luca is about ready to start pulling up to standing so I am planning on getting him one of these for Christmas. These cubes are great for babies’ development! (Target, $49)

12 // Chewable Charm Silicone & Wood Teether Ring

A must on any new baby holiday gift guide is a teether ring! This teething ring is super stylish AND functional! That is a super win in my book!! Plus Luca has three of these and loves them, the rubber and wood in the same toy really helps! (Chewablecharm.com, $24)

13 // Freshly Picked Soft Sole Moccasins

These little moccasins are adorable, they’re not cheap but that is why they make a great gift! And they would also be super cute for photos! (Nordstrom, $49) Click here for the Freshly Picked direct link!

14 // Cable Knit Hat for Baby

This hat is so cute and super affordable! I love a baby in a good pom-pom hat and covering the ears is so key for the colder months – they keep baby warm AND the hat actually stays on their head! (H&M, $13)

Honorable Mentions: New Baby Holiday Gift Guide

 

Do you have a new baby or are expecting? Check out this new baby holiday gift guide with unique, but practical gift ideas for your special bundle of joy!
Do you have a new baby or are expecting? Check out this new baby holiday gift guide with unique, but practical gift ideas for your special bundle of joy!
Do you have a new baby or are expecting? Check out this new baby holiday gift guide with unique, but practical gift ideas for your special bundle of joy!

Milk Snob Crib Sheet and Changing Pad Cover

Luca doesn’t spend a ton of time in his crib but that doesn’t mean I can’t get him the SOFTEST sheets around! Seriously, can Milk Snob make adult bed sized sheets!? These things are a DREAM. Plus they come in lots of cute and stylish patterns! (Milksnob.com, $28)

Rambler LA Portable Mat

We have and use this mat every day! It is made by the small shop RamblerLA and is SUPER soft, kind of micro-fibery. Plus it’s portable (folds up into a small ring and comes with a travel bag), we bring it whenever we visit friends or family so Luca has a place to roll around! (RamblerLA.com, $109)

Bannor Toys Handcrafted Wooden Tractor

Every toy from this incredible company is handcrafted and truly beautiful. They are collectibles and keepsakes that your baby will have forever! I love the customization option as well – you can get a name engraved on most items making them even more special. I would definitely browse around – we got Luca this limited edition tractor just after he was born as well as this circle stacker and this block set. (Bannortoys.com, $15)

Do you have a new baby or are expecting? Check out this new baby holiday gift guide with unique, but practical gift ideas for your special bundle of joy!

Grimm’s Wooden Stacking Tower

I love classic looking toys that are also functional, this stacking set fits the bill! (Amazon, $43)

Baby’s First Year Album

Such a cute keepsake for the new baby! I have about 4 of these First Year books for Luca, new or expecting parents would love this as a gift! (Nordstrom, $35)

Do you have a new baby or are expecting? Check out this new baby holiday gift guide with unique, but practical gift ideas for your special bundle of joy!

Ugg Erin Booties for Baby Girl

Just thought these were super cute for a baby girl and they’re under $50! (Nordstrom, $49)

Do you have a new baby or are expecting? Check out this new baby holiday gift guide with unique, but practical gift ideas for your special bundle of joy!

7AM Enfant Nido Quilted Wrap

I would have loved to receive this as a gift, great for baby while in the car seat! (Buy Buy Baby, $70)

Do you have a new baby or are expecting? Check out this new baby holiday gift guide with unique, but practical gift ideas for your special bundle of joy!

Busy Baby Activity Chair

This is such a unique activity center, I love that it is plush all the way around and it looks super interactive! (Crate & Barrel, ($139)

Do you have a new baby or are expecting? Check out this new baby holiday gift guide with unique, but practical gift ideas for your special bundle of joy!

Pottery Barn Kids Farm Stacker

How cute! I love anything farm-related of course! (Pottery Barn, $49)

Shop the New Baby Holiday Gift Guide Below!

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Spent some time at one of my favorite places in th Spent some time at one of my favorite places in the world earlier this week, with some of my favorite people, and it was so dang good for the soul 🌸 more flowering tree and shrub content comin at you this week just because! Also...⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
🌿 Mini Gifting 🌿⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
A little thank you for supporting me!! I’m gifting a personally curated gardening package to one winner, all you have to do is follow me @christinemcovino and my other account @christineandcoliving, then head to my stories for the rest of the entry instructions 🥳
Happy national gardening day 🌱🌸 may you have Happy national gardening day 🌱🌸 may you have a bountiful crop this year, whatever you grow! ((Peony tip: feed early-emerging shoots with a high phosphorus fertilizer for strong, lush blooms!)). Find more gardening tips on the blog, link is in my bio 🌿
Liam ♡ In an alternate universe we would be cele Liam ♡ In an alternate universe we would be celebrating your first birthday. You should be crawling around, playing, laughing and eating too much cake today.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
You should be here.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
My sweet boy I miss you more than words, I ache to hold you. We walked the orchard and planted flower seeds in your memory. We got winks from you in the form of the earth waking up, all the yellow blooms, including your magnolia which couldn’t have had better timing. It’s comforting to see you say hi.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
And still, you should be here.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
He was here for a time. He existed. He mattered. He deserves to be celebrated.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
I loved him from the second I saw the +test. I fell deeper in love every time I saw his energetic body bounce around on the ultrasound screen, I have all the blissful bump photos and I have the memory of his sweet little kicks. God I miss those kicks.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
My love did not end when he died.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
Liam’s ashes, a few scan photos, my memory and an index card with his footprints are all that remains. I both hate that this is all I have left and am eternally grateful that I have them at all.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
I found some comfort today but these anniversaries are also hard. I relive the trauma. The terror, shock, fear, disbelief, agony of being told your baby is dying. So deep and so crushing. Part of me died in that moment, part of me will never be the same again.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
There is nothing in this world more painful than living without your baby. You feel the heaviness, the absence, the longing for them constantly. The grief is always there, it ebbs and flows but it changes you to your core. You adapt to feeling the constant emptiness, your aching heart, your soft but heavy eyes, the shortness of your breath, that lump in your throat.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
And yet, I feel immensely fortunate to have carried you for every moment of your life. I will never regret the time we spent together, loving you, carrying you, feeling you, celebrating you and envisioning the life you would have had. I will carry the insatiable longing to hold you until the day I die. You will always be my baby. You will always be missed. I will never stop loving and mothering you, my sweet Liam James ❤️
How did we do with the bow!? It’s growing on me How did we do with the bow!? It’s growing on me I think 🥰😍
April 3, 2021 • just us this Easter weekend 💗 April 3, 2021 • just us this Easter weekend 💗
I’m not quite sure how she turned 5 months in th I’m not quite sure how she turned 5 months in the blink of an eye 🥺 My Elora. We are doing great ❤️ we’re nursing and bedsharing and babywearing and contact napping and I’m literally soaking in every moment with her. Months 4 and 5 have been the best yet. My body knows what to do and I follow her cues. We’re super in tune and I feel like it’s making both of us happier humans.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
There is this unspoken narrative in our society that somehow attachment between mom and baby is a weakness, a crutch. I say f that, it’s one of the most beautiful strengths that exists in this universe. Period.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
Mama if you’re reading this and need some validation or reassurance, I got you. It’s ok to cuddle and rock and nurse and sing your baby to sleep. Follow your instincts, tune out the noise, feel empowered in your motherly intuition and find your confidence in that. It is so incredibly liberating.⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
I know it’s a confusing landscape out there for new moms, I hear you, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and stress that you’re not doing something “right” or that your baby is “broken.” I’m not saying motherhood is easy for me, it’s the hardest (and best) thing I’ve ever done, but when women have the support they actually need and feel empowered in motherhood, that’s next-level world-changing stuff.⁣⁣⁣⠀
⁣⁣⠀
Mama knows best, never forget it ❤️

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