Every year, on this week I have a post marking the yearly anniversary of Feather Factor. I can’t believe it has been four years since I started this site, and though I may sound like a broken record each year, thank you to every single person who comes here, visits, leaves a comment, writes an email, or takes time to share something from their own experience. It’s been an incredible privilege to be able to meet so many amazing people from around the world and I feel very fortunate.
Also, some sharp eyed readers caught a little note I included in my last post on the Four Seasons Tokyo, on needing a prenatal massage. I’m very happy to share with you all that we are expecting our first baby this year! I’m terrible at announcements like these and it’s actually been Mr. Feather whose had had all the sweet, nice ideas for how to share the news with family and friends. My method of choice has just been blurting out “I’m having a baby” sulkily between yawns. We do know the gender – it’s a boy – and I’m terrified! It’ll be two against one when voting for family vacation destinations.
We are due in late summer and I really have no idea what I’m doing. What I have done, is spend copious amounts of time looking for body pillows on Amazon. Also, I’ve issued myself a 5 item preggo exception for my 25 item wardrobe resolution for 2015. I’m going to try to get out of buying too many maternity items and just using what I have, but the Bellaband has been a miracle purchase so far. I’ll be tempted to use this contraption even when I’m no longer pregnant. Skinny jeans with no zipper/button constraints? Sounds good to me!
Thanks so much for your kind words so far, incredibly helpful advice, and I look forward to sharing updates throughout the year. And thank you all again for coming to visit my little space here!
99 Comments
Olivia
March 5, 2015 at 8:21 amCONGRATULATIONS!!!!! – Can’t believe it’s been 4 years!! Thanks for everything!
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:55 pmThank you Olivia!!
Michelle
March 5, 2015 at 8:38 amAww thats wonderful news Katherine. Big congrats to you and Mr Feather. xox
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:54 pmThanks Michelle!
abby
March 5, 2015 at 8:42 amI’m usually a lurker but wanted to say congratulations on your baby boy!
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:54 pmThanks Abby!
simiyalala
March 5, 2015 at 8:52 amMany congratulations!
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:53 pmThank you 🙂
Helen
March 5, 2015 at 9:04 amcongrats!!! love reading your blog.
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:53 pmThank you Helen!
Tabitha
March 5, 2015 at 9:53 amCongratulations on your baby news, how wonderful and a very happy blog birthday too.
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:53 pmThanks Tabs and hello to you!
Grouptink7
March 5, 2015 at 10:15 amCongratulations on your anniversary. Your blog is an inspiration to myself. I look forward to reading your blog as my morning ritual. Many blessing on your little bundle of joy.
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:53 pmThank you so much and for all your kind comments 🙂
Jill
March 5, 2015 at 10:39 amHappy Blog Birthday! Your blog is one of the best, I look forward to each post. I just read last night (finally) your post on the costumes for ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,’ and now I want a gold Cartier Tank watch. Oh you are so bad to show me that watch ha ha! I will have to find out who did the design for those costumes, they were indeed very good and suited Kate’s coloring so well!
My first child was a boy and what a sweet little guy he was. Still is, 12 years later. I love being mother to a son, I feel it is my opportunity to give all ladies everywhere a gift by making sure he has good manners, thinks about what he says before he says it, is not lazy, and knows how to do laundry, cook, and put the seat down!
My only advice re pregnancy would be: Don’t spend too much money on maternity clothes and make sure you are taking your prenatal vitamin and getting a lot of rest. I’m looking forward to reading about your and Mr. F’s journey toward parenthood!
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:53 pmHi Jill, thank you so much for sharing your experience with your son – sounds like he is amazing and very thoughtful!
Wonderland Boudoir
March 5, 2015 at 10:58 amOMFG!!!!!!!!!! Congrats on your new addition!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.WonderlandBoudoir.com/blog
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:52 pmThank you!
Anonymous
March 5, 2015 at 11:54 amCongrats! I have been reading your blog for over a year now. Loved all your travel posts and Sale PSAs. Just want to say congrats on having a baby boy!
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:52 pmThanks so much!
Whitney Farris
March 5, 2015 at 12:45 pmNow the next one, will just have to be a girl to share your things with!
Whitney Farris
March 5, 2015 at 12:51 pmHalf of my post did not post, so here we go again! Congratulations to you both! It is just simply the most wonderful thing being a mother. I hope that your pregnancy is going well!? I had such awful morning sickness for four months. Nothing helped the nausea and vomiting. They gave me several types of medicine and that didn’t work. At one point they wanted to hospitalize me, but I did not want to go that route. Cherish your time with baby Feather, as the time flys by! My baby is almost 20! In a blink of an eye!
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:52 pmThanks so much Whitney and I appreciate your advice. My pregnancy is going okay but the nausea is not fun. Thank you again and yes maybe we need a girl 🙂
Diane
March 5, 2015 at 1:15 pmHappy anniversary Kat and congratulation on your first child!!!!!! I just love your blog it is absolutely fabulous!! I wish you all the best for the future and enjoy the ride!!
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:51 pmThank you Diane 🙂
Katherine
March 5, 2015 at 1:42 pmCongratulations! I noticed that subtle slip in your last blog post but was unsure if it was true 🙂 All the best! I’m sure you will be a stylish mother with your first child
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:51 pmThanks very much, Katherine!
Cat
March 5, 2015 at 3:41 pmOut of the lurker woodwork to says congrats on all your achievements – both Baby and Blog! I’ve so enjoyed your posts and wish all the best for you.
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:51 pmTHank you for coming out of lurkerville to say hi and for all your kind words 🙂
Anonymous
March 5, 2015 at 6:08 pmDouble congrats Kat! Your blog is one of the few I still read. Can’t wait to see baby Feather here.
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:51 pmThanks so much and I love the term baby feather 🙂
Alice
March 5, 2015 at 6:10 pmAHHH congratulations!!
You and Mr. Feather will be such great parents!!
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:50 pmThanks so much my friend and I hope we can see you again soon, anywhere in the world!
R S
March 5, 2015 at 6:44 pmBig congrats. Having a baby changes your life in more ways than one. Have a great pregnancy and hope you get lots of rest. I am not much of a sleep-person, but after having a baby, that was one thing i wished the most
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:50 pmThanks so much R S and I hope you are getting more sleep now!
S
March 5, 2015 at 7:31 pmCongratulations!!! Have fun in your pregnancy and being a mother – babies grow up very quickly! I know all mums say that but its completely true! 🙂
Thank you for your blog, I have always enjoyed reading it.
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:50 pmThank you S and I appreciate your advice!
TC
March 5, 2015 at 7:43 pmCongratulations!!! My best wishes for an uneventful pregnancy and a healthy little Feather!
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:50 pmThank you TC 🙂
Kelly @ Alterations Needed
March 5, 2015 at 8:23 pmCongratulations!!!! =D
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:48 pmThanks my friend, I hope all is going well with you!
emmabovary
March 5, 2015 at 8:43 pmI totally thought I had missed a post when I saw prenatal in that post – I’m glad that it wasn’t the case. Congratulatiosn!!! Looking forward to looks of pregnancy fashion tips that I can store away for when my days come 🙂
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:48 pmThank you Emma 🙂
Lina
March 5, 2015 at 11:18 pmCongratulations! ! What wonderful news to share!! 🙂 And happy 4th blog birthday!
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:48 pmThank you Lina!
Ammu
March 6, 2015 at 4:02 amHappy anniversary! And a big hug xx
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:47 pmThank you my friend!
Brook
March 6, 2015 at 6:11 amCongrats again. I have so loved your blog over the last 4 years. It makes me smile every time I see a new post in my reader. Thank you for your hard work and good luck with this new adventure!
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:46 pmThank you Brook and for reading over so many years!
Kacey
March 6, 2015 at 6:17 amCongratulations!! Your blog is my favorite– I’ve been reading it for years. You constantly present yourself in such an open, honest, and intelligent manner, which is so refreshing to a reader. I am sure you will both be great parents!
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:46 pmHi Kacey, thanks so much for your kind comment and for reading it for so long!
Eyls
March 6, 2015 at 6:27 amCobgratulations! Baby will change your view on life. One advise about pregnancy wardrobe: DO BUY a few nice prego pants/jeans because you’d be surprised how long you may have to wear them post pregnancy. And you never know if you’ll have another or two or three more babies down the line!
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:46 pmThanks Eyls, good advice as I’m realizing that I can’t just wear the same two items over and over again.
Momo
March 6, 2015 at 7:17 amCongrats!!!! This is going to be a whole new chapter!!! Love everything about your blog..
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:46 pmThanks so much Momo 🙂
Emma
March 6, 2015 at 8:05 amCongratulations & Happy Anniversary!
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:45 pmThank you!
Kimberly
March 6, 2015 at 8:12 amCongratulations and Happy Blog Anniversary! Thank you for putting so much work into your posts and sharing so much with us. Wishing you a healthy baby Ram 🙂
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:45 pmThank you and happy Chinese New Year!
Luxuriously Frugal
March 6, 2015 at 9:08 amCongratulations! I look forward to reading your blog post every Monday, Wednesday, or Friday morning. Thanks for sharing!
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:45 pmThanks so much! Sorry that I don’t always post on those days lately 🙂
Julie W
March 6, 2015 at 9:27 amCongratulations!
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:45 pmThank you!
Mod
March 6, 2015 at 9:36 amCongratuations!!! Congratuations!!! Two are definitely in order. I am so so so happy for you!
After years of following 7+ blogs in college, I can say that yours is my favorite and the only one I regularly follow now that I’m working. I’m so glad I found it!
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:45 pmHi Mod, thanks very much 🙂
Lesley
March 6, 2015 at 10:48 amCongratulations on the new addition!!! I’m so excited to see what’s in store and how you will style your bump (: I’m also pregnant (26 weeks..and time is really flying!) with my first little one and it’s also a boy! Little boys are supposed to love mommy best 😉 Hope you have been feeling good and hope the pregnancy will be a smooth journey. Mine has been so far, esp. after the first trimester of “evening” sickness, but I’m glad that’s over with!
Lesley
March 6, 2015 at 10:51 amForgot to add..my sister got me the body pillow from Boppy, and total life saver (how am I going to sleep for a week without it while we go to Paris?!!). I also didn’t buy too many maternity clothes..2 nicer pointe pants from J.Crew maternity and 1 pair of good denim..and if you wear Lululemon, those still fit great..you know, just a little lower in the front 😉
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:42 pmThanks so much Lesley and congratulations on your pregnancy as well! I would really recommend the Belly Band too. Enjoy Paris!
Sylvia
March 6, 2015 at 12:32 pmCongratulations and best wishes with your pregnancy. Babies are such a blessing, you will make a great Mum.
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:42 pmThanks Sylvia 🙂
Michelle
March 6, 2015 at 12:38 pmCongratulations! Now I am never one to comment BUT I just purchased a dress on Zara website called the combine tie dress. I just bought it and i think you will agree it is the perfect dress for the upcoming warmer months while pregnant. I have it in a small and it has enough room for tummy. You should check it out, it is a black dress. I love it so much I felt I had to share it with you to compliment your baby bump!
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:41 pmThank you! Am running over to check out the dress 🙂
wanderlustgal
March 6, 2015 at 12:39 pmHappy anniversary and congratulations again on your pregnancy! Ninja buddy 4ever <3 <3
Katherine
March 6, 2015 at 1:41 pmThank you my friend! Can’t wait to get our baby blues 🙂
corinna
March 6, 2015 at 2:29 pmCongrats. Have been reading your blog for at least 2 years and its my go to. Love your interviews and product (handbag) reviews.
Congrats on the baby! Buy a good nursing bra! I like the ones that triangle over your breasts and just the cup comes down instead of the whole bra. Probably go at least 1 size bigger than what you use to wear. I liked the belabumbum wireless racerback nursing bra and Freya pure underwire spacer foam nursing bra (I need the support). Get at least 2 pairs of jeans, a pair of shorts, a t-shirt dress, a tank top and one maternity top. Target is awesome for most of this. If you have a lot of flowy tops, it can serve as a maturnity top. Use a cape/poncho as a jacket if you need a jacket but you probably wont.
corinna
March 6, 2015 at 2:34 pmAlso recommend The Blessed Net nursing pillow. I had the breast friend pillow but I never used it.
http://stores.blessednest.com/the-nesting-pillow/
Wei
March 6, 2015 at 7:08 pmBig congrats to you! Children are such blessings and turn your life upside down but you wouldn’t change a thing!
Lynn
March 6, 2015 at 8:59 pmOh my gosh, congratulations Katherine!!! I was JUST thinking the other day when I saw your latest post on Four Seasons Tokyo that I was ever so slightly jealous that you are still child-less and free as a bird to go wherever you like, and now this!
Lilian
March 6, 2015 at 9:05 pmCongratulations!! From one outnumbered girl to another – it’s an awesome feeling!
Anonymous
March 6, 2015 at 9:35 pmHappy blog anniversary, Katherine!
I hope your nausea goes away soon and that the remainder of your pregnancy is great. 🙂
I loved the belly band that I used as well, and I did wear my maternity jeans for a month or two after giving birth because they were just so darn comfy.
Looking forward to reading your baby updates! 🙂
Fleurlapin
March 6, 2015 at 10:36 pmCongrats! I am so happy for you and Mr. Feather!!
Oh boy, you are in for one of the best experiences of your life! I had a baby girl last year and loving every minute of it. Having a little faith, common sense, and going with the flow helped me get through the pregnancy and especially now she’s here. To be honest, no one really knows what they are doing with their first child. Having a support system will help you out tremendously. It sounds like you already have one so nothing to worry about!
Best of luck and I can’t wait to meet your bundle of joy!
Jenn
March 7, 2015 at 4:29 amCongratulations! What an exciting time for you and your husband.
Janet
March 7, 2015 at 1:51 pmCongratulations! All the best in health during your pregnancy.
Amy
March 7, 2015 at 6:03 pmYay! Congratulations! Can’t wait to see features on baby style coming up. 🙂
Bluepolkadotpjs
March 8, 2015 at 9:59 amCongratulations, Katherine!! So happy for you. With a baby in your life, everything will change. He will bring so much joy!! 🙂
Sonita Lontoh
March 8, 2015 at 11:57 amWow, big congrats, Kat!
Petti
March 8, 2015 at 11:04 pmHappy blog birthday! I love reading your blog and I’m very happy to hear your good news! Enjoy pregnancy and wish you smooth delivery!
And besides too many maternity clothing…may end up getting a lot of stylish baby clothing too! But they are too cute to resist! 🙂
Jenn
March 9, 2015 at 12:31 amCongratulations!!
bisbee
March 9, 2015 at 4:33 amCongratulations again (I caught the sly reveal last time). You are very small, so you will probably not have to get too many maternity clothes…but don’t assume…you never know how you will carry! I would advise NOT to buy more than 1 or 2 nursing bras…you really have NO IDEA what size you will be! One more piece of advice…get some maternity underwear…yes, you can wear your regular bikinis under your belly, but they will stretch out and might be uncomfortable toward the end. If you don’t worry about throwing them out and buying new, no problem!
Michelle
March 9, 2015 at 11:25 pmCongrats to you on both announcements. I am also pregnant with my first and due the same time as you. I must say that I love a pea in a pod brand petite skinny jeans. The fit great and you look about the same height as me. I also got a pair of ag maternity jeans and they are comfy but not as cute as a pea and a pod. After trying on the Bella band it looked kind of awkward since I am so petite. I just used the old rubber band method for the first weeks with reg jeans. Can’t wait to see your journey on your blog. You will be so stylish!
Katherine
March 10, 2015 at 7:12 amHi Michelle, congratulations to you as well and my best wishes for a healthy pregnancy 🙂 I have stopped using the Bella Band though I still liked it…I’m just finding that nothing beats a billowy dress!
Michelle
March 10, 2015 at 7:21 amCongratulations and Happy 4th Blog Anniversary!
I used he Bella Band quite extensively with my first pregnancy, definitely a life savior!
Have a safe pregnancy!
Sarah
March 13, 2015 at 9:50 amGosh- going back to read all the posts I missed. Congratulations and I hope you have a spare room prepared for baby feather. Xx
little luxury list
March 16, 2015 at 11:55 pmHappy blog anniversary and congratulations again! Please let me know if I can provide any of my takes on pregnancy/baby goodies. I did so much research and of course went through things via trial and error. This was the main benefit of having best friends having their babies before me!
Maxi dresses are the best and I still wear a Gap Maternity one (it is a great t-shirt maxi dress). Otherwise, billowy tops and leggings or skirts with elastic waists can’t be beat!
My top 3 pillows:
– wedge pillow to support my growing bellow on the side (I carried all the weight straight out front)
– snoogle for head and leg support (it got too hot though if I put it in front and to be honest my husband used it more than me)
– my brest friend (breastfeeding pillow if you go that route – the support is awesome and it stays put even if you’re walking around!)
Most of all remember that you will hear many differing opinions and it’s up to you to decide how to raise your baby/what to buy. Good luck mama!
xoxo,
little luxury list formerly Chic ‘n Cheap Living
Katherine
March 18, 2015 at 8:40 pmAhh thank you! I looove my snoogle 🙂
ahhhsoneo
March 17, 2015 at 7:52 pmCongratulations to you and the Mr. Best of health and wealth to the new baby! You definitely have to use the Bellaband post-birth, it will help bring your former shape back and keep the tymmy inline!!
Great news!
Katherine
March 18, 2015 at 8:40 pmAhh good to know! Thanks so much 🙂
Amelie
March 18, 2015 at 1:32 pmCongratulations Katherine! I literally shrieked when I read the news! I am just a silent visitor of your blog but I couldn’t resist commenting this time! Enjoy this precious time and congrats on having a boy! 🙂
Katherine
March 18, 2015 at 8:38 pmThanks so much Amelie! 🙂