Mack as Mom: Our Favorite Things
A newsletter on motherhood
Apologies in advance for any spelling or grammatical errors. I am tired. But if we are friends you can text me and let me know.
=In lieu of the usual Culture Update I’m going to share the things that both Sebastian and myself have been loving lately. Or more appropriately, the things I have been loving on his behalf.
Most of my favorite outfits for Sebastian’s first 1/2 year of life have been worn only a handful of times. The reality is the things you *think* you’ll dress your baby in are rarely what you gravitate towards when the laundry is done. Obviously i’m determined to change this.
So our Spring aesthetic is FUNctional first.
Here’s what i’m thinking:
We’ve learned quickly that sweatsuits are the best thing for us. The green one is from Gap and it’s probably our most worn outfit right now. The baby blue is from Old Navy and it hasn’t arrived yet— but I feel confident it’s going to be on the rotation. Currently we are pairing them with our puffer vests. I splurged (on sale for $30— but still) on the striped sweater from Janie & Jack because I really feel like it’s perfect for spring and summer. I got both pairs of shorts on sale for less than $20. Not a steal, but i’m excited to see if the quality is good. Typically I just go for the mix-and-match Gap options (like these onesies.) I haven’t yet bought the sunglasses, but i’m strongly considering. Parents— do babies actually wear their sunglasses? Lastly I just have to share my excitement for the initial hat from Rey to Z. Overall I’m feeling really excited about our spring wardrobe. Though sadly I will not be able to get the polo because they are out in Sebby’s size. Get one for your 18mo+ child.
As for me, I’m really only adding a few items.
The cashmere sweater is ye ole faithful from J.Crew. The stripes and the bear are both Rent the Runway finds (use code RTRMACKENZIEN !!) I’ve had the sneakers and the trench since last fall— but we’re making two new additions. One, the pastel suit from Sezané. I’m weak, and they send me a monthly gift card I purchased this with. I also bought this striped tank top from Gap.
The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson: is the story of two young ambitious black women in the 1950’s whose lives intersect through pregnancy and adoption. It is a powerful page turner that I would STRONGLY recommend (but check the content warnings!)
Good Material by Dolly Alderton: is the hot girl pick of the spring for sure. This is the story of a breakup told from the male’s perspective and it is GRIPPING. You should read this (and the audio is great.)
Remember Love by Cleo Wade: is the kind of book you hold close to your chest after you finish it. It’s a really accessible poetry collection I’d recommend to anyone going through a period of growth or heartbreak. IT’s amazing.
Family Family by Laurie Frankel: is yet another story about adoption and pregnancy and YET— absolutely nothing like House of Eve. Laurie Frankel is my favorite author and she delivers again with this one— a book with a million twists. Strongly recommend for fans of imaginary famous people.
Like I said, all of these were FIVE big stars for me— so you can’t go wrong with any of them.
Babar’s Guide to Paris: is obviously far too old for Sebastian, but the drawings were really simple and I think he liked them. I’m going to read this again to him when Ben and I go to Paris this fall.
H is for Harlem: I bought this for Sebby at the Met after we saw the Harlem Renaissance exhibit :) It was the perfect companion book to Tia William’s A Love Song for Ricki Wilde which I finished last month. Seriously, as a white girl who grew up learning exactly nothing about Harlem (or black history at all…) this CHILDREN’S BOOK filled in the gaps for me! Again, way too old for Sebastian, but all he cares about is the pictures.
The Pet Potato: is an absolutely adorable story about a little boy whose parents won’t let them get a pet so instead they take care of a potato. It’s hilarious. I would highly recommend.
Poor Things (2023): was the FINAL installment of my Best Picture Watch Series and I’m glad I watched it because it swept quite a few categories. Was it my favorite movie? No. But it grew on me over the course of the two-ish hours. Emma Stone definitely deserved her Best Actress win for this one.
The Traitors (Peacock): is what most people consider PRESTIGE reality television. I’m honestly very excited with the winners and cannot wait for season three. Definitely watch this show if you aren’t already. It’s like an ongoing murder mystery with your favorite reality tv stars.
Promising Young Women (2020) is the only other Emerald Fennell movie thus far and wow did it hit for me. Carey Mulligan plays Cassie— a woman living a double life where by day she makes coffee and by night she plots revenge on her enemies (and most men.) I absolutely loved this movie and highly recommend.
Survivor (CBS): Is this season good? Not really. Will I continue to watch? Until the day Jeff Probst dies. For those who have asked where you should start on your Survivor journey— season 10 or 13.
Now i’m off to swim class (I HATE being the one to go in the pool, but we all make sacrifices for our children.) Bye!!
x Mackenzie
Catching up on your posts as a new subscriber. The day you no longer have to get in the pool is a big day!
My parents read me so much Babar when I was little!