My Pre-Baby Pamper Routine: Nails, Scents, & All the Feels (L'Occitane Love Story!)

Okay, you guys. We are SO close to meeting baby Cherry, and honestly, my mind is just a whirlwind of excitement, nerves, and all the heart-eyes. It feels like just yesterday I was finding out I was pregnant, and now here we are, counting down the days. With Stella and Ozzy running around, and Tanner being his usual amazing self, it's been a beautiful, chaotic, wonderful ride.

But amidst all the baby prep – the nursery, the tiny clothes, the car seat installations (Tanner’s job, bless him hahah) – I’ve been trying really hard to carve out little moments for myself. Because let's be real, mama needs to feel like a human, not just a vessel, before the beautiful storm hits. And these last few weeks have been all about those small, intentional acts of self-care that just make you feel a little more *you*.

The 'Meet Baby' Manicure: A Tiny Tradition

So, let's talk nails. You guys know I love a good mani. It’s such a simple thing, but it instantly makes me feel a little more put-together, a little more polished. And for meeting a new baby? Oh my goodness, it feels like a whole event! I remember with Stella and Ozzy, I had specific colors I chose, and it just felt like a special little detail for such a monumental moment.

This time around, I was really thinking about it. What color screams 'new baby, fresh start, cozy vibes'? I wanted something soft, something warm, but still pretty. Not too bold, not too flashy, just... perfect. And I think I found it! I went with this beautiful, creamy, almost peachy-pink shade. It’s subtle, but it has this glow to it. Every time I look at my hands, I just get this fluttery feeling, like 'these are the hands that are gonna hold my new baby girl for the very first time.' :,)

It’s such a small thing, right? A coat of nail polish. But for me, it’s a little ritual. It’s a way to acknowledge this huge, incredible life change that’s about to happen. It’s like, okay, body, you’re doing the most amazing thing, let’s give you some pretty nails to go with it. It’s a little confidence booster, a little 'I got this' moment. Plus, who doesn't love looking down at pretty nails while snuggling a newborn? It’s the little joys, you know?

Finding My Signature Scent (and it's L'Occitane!)

Okay, next up on my pre-baby pamper list: scent! You guys know I'm super sensitive to smells, especially when I'm pregnant. Some things that I used to love just turn my stomach, and others become my whole personality hahah. So finding a scent that feels right, that feels comforting and not overwhelming, is a big deal.

And I have to tell you, I am absolutely, completely, utterly obsessed with the L'Occitane Almond Hair & Body Mist. You guys, it smells SO GOOD. Like, heavenly good. I'm not even kidding. When L'Occitane reached out to partner with me on this, I was already a fan of their stuff, but this mist? It took it to a whole new level. It's become my go-to, my comfort spray, my 'I need a little pick-me-up' in a bottle.

Why I'm So Into This Mist

• The Scent: It’s hard to describe, but it’s just this perfect blend of soft almond, a little bit sweet, a little bit warm, and incredibly delicate. It’s not overpowering at all, which is HUGE for me right now. It just smells clean and cozy and inviting. Like a warm hug, but in a mist form. I spray it on my hair, on my clothes, even just a little spritz in the air around me. It just makes me feel good.
• Versatility: It’s a hair *and* body mist, which I love. One product, two uses. It doesn't make my hair feel sticky or weighed down, and it leaves a really subtle, lovely scent on my skin that lasts without being too much.
• The Vibe: Honestly, it just makes me feel a little more luxurious, a little more put-together, even when I'm just in my comfies chasing Stella and Ozzy around. It’s that little touch that elevates the everyday. And when you’re pregnant, sometimes those little things are everything.
• Clean & Fresh: It’s perfect for those days when you might not have time for a full shower (mamas, you know the drill!). A quick spritz and you feel instantly refreshed. It’s like a secret weapon for feeling human again.

Tanner even loves it, which is saying something because he usually just tolerates my perfume choices hahah. He says it smells 'like a warm cookie' which, honestly, is the best compliment. So yeah, we’re all obsessed over here. It’s become a staple in my routine, and I couldn't imagine getting ready for baby without it now. It’s just part of the whole 'feeling good' package.

Why Self-Care Matters Right Now

I know it can feel selfish sometimes, especially when you’re getting ready for a new baby, to spend time or money on yourself. There’s so much focus on the baby, on the nursery, on all the things they need. And that’s important, of course!

But I’ve learned, especially with my third baby on the way, that taking care of *me* is also taking care of *them*. When I feel good, when I feel a little more rested, a little more pampered, a little more like myself, I’m a better mom, a better wife, a better human. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being present and feeling capable.

These little moments – getting my nails done, spritzing on a beautiful scent – they’re not just superficial. They’re acts of self-love. They’re moments to breathe, to reflect, to get excited, and to prepare my heart and mind for the incredible journey ahead. They help me feel grounded amidst the chaos and the anticipation.

So if you’re a mama-to-be, or a new mama, or just a mama in general, please give yourself permission to find those little things that make you feel good. Whether it’s a specific nail color, a comforting scent, a quiet cup of coffee, or just five minutes of silence (a girl can dream, right?), those moments are so, so important. You deserve it. Your family deserves a happy, healthy, feeling-good you.

I’m just so excited for this next chapter with Tanner and our three girls. Stella and Ozzy are already talking about their baby sister constantly, and my heart just swells thinking about them all together. It’s going to be wild, it’s going to be beautiful, and I’m just trying to soak up every last moment of this pregnancy, one pretty nail and one delicious scent at a time. :,)

Love you guys sm! Talk soon!